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Forging ahead!

Community-owned pub in Knoydart is the beating heart of the community.

Organisation name: The Old Forge Community Benefit Society Ltd

Funding received: £508,000 from various

Date awarded: 31/10/2022

Location: Knoydart

Community-owned pubs are often at the heart of their communities and nowhere is this more true than the Old Forge in Knoydart!

The Old Forge public house is situated in the village of Inverie on the Knoydart peninsular and is the most remote pub on mainland Britain, only accessible by ferry from Mallaig or a challenging 16-mile walk.

The public house has long been a popular destination for visitors, a social focal point for local residents and an important economic asset which benefits other businesses in this remote area.

The pub went up for sale in 2021, and after some discussion amongst the local community, it was decided to go for community-ownership bid. The Old Forge Community Benefit Society Ltd was formed and a group of 9 dedicated local volunteers took the project forward.

The Society accessed support from the Scottish Rural Network funded Rural and Island Community-Owned Pub Network delivered through Plunkett UK, to support them undertake a community buyout of the pub.

Funding of £508,000 was obtained through the Scottish Land Fund, a partnership between the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Additional funding sources included:

  • Community Ownership Fund
  • Share offer with Community Shares Scotland and Plunkett UK support
  • Crowdfunding initiative

Find out more in this fascinating case study, which demonstrates the positive impact of community ownership.

The Old Forge, Knoydart
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