December 16th 2024.
Residents of Sandbank are overjoyed as they have just received a significant grant to help them purchase their beloved local pub, the Oakbank Hotel. The Scottish Land Fund has awarded the Oakbank Community Inn Sandbank group with £147,411, which will cover the majority of the pub's asking price. The remaining costs for renovations will be raised through a share scheme, which the community is planning to launch soon.
The Oakbank Hotel, a historic landmark that has been a fixture at the gateway to the southern Highlands for 150 years, has unfortunately been closed for nearly two years. However, the community's determination to save this important establishment has paid off. Sue McKillop, a member of the OCIS, expressed her gratitude to the Scottish Land Fund and current owner Greg Devine for their support throughout the challenging 18-month process.
Thanks to the grant, the community will be able to purchase the pub and also have funds for a part-time development worker, as well as essential repair and conveyancing fees. This is a huge relief for the community, especially in today's tough financial climate. They have faced setbacks in their efforts to save the pub, but this success has given them hope for the future.
Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done. The community is now focused on launching their share scheme to raise the remaining 5 per cent of the pub's asking price. This will also allow them to carry out the necessary repairs and renovations before they officially open as the Oakbank Community Inn Sandbank in 2025. With the recent purchase of land opposite the pub by Scenic Sandbank for a community garden, the pub will have access to locally grown produce, reducing their "food miles" and supporting the community.
The Oakbank Inn holds a special place in the hearts of the community, and their efforts to save it go beyond just wanting a local pub. It is a symbol of their community spirit and serves as a hub for residents to come together. The hope is that their success will inspire other communities to do the same and preserve their local establishments and assets.
The Scottish Land Fund, a funding programme delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund, aims to help urban and rural communities become more sustainable and resilient through the ownership and management of land and land assets. It is initiatives like this that bring communities together and make a positive impact.
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