Rural campaigners win six-figure grant to buy iconic Argyll pub

In Scotland, rural campaigners have successfully secured a significant six-figure grant from the Scotland Land Fund to purchase the Oakbank Hotel, which has been out of operation for nearly two years. This grant, amounting to £147,411, represents a considerable effort by the Oakbank Community Inn Sandbank group to return the venue to community ownership and operation. The funding aims to facilitate the acquisition of the property located on the picturesque banks of Holy Loch, with hopes to see it reopen to the public in 2025. The community's journey to achieve this funding has been described as a challenging 18-month odyssey, as noted by Sue McKillop, a member of the community group. The closure of the pub has not only affected local social life but has also deprioritized a potential local economic hub. The successful acquisition is a beacon of hope for community-led initiatives, particularly in rural areas where local establishments are vital for social cohesion and economic viability. In addition to the grant, the Oakbank Community Inn Sandbank group plans to engage in further fundraising activities to cover the renovation costs needed to restore the hotel to a usable state. The desire to reopen the establishment aligns with broader trends observed within Scotland, where communities increasingly seek to reclaim and rejuvenate local assets through collective action. This movement reflects a growing recognition of the importance of such venues in maintaining community identity and support. Overall, the project embodies the spirit of community resilience and the capacity of groups to mobilize resources effectively for the common good, particularly in the context of rural Scotland. If successful, the reopening of the Oakbank Hotel may serve as an inspiring case study for similar initiatives across the country, potentially prompting other communities to take similar actions to safeguard their local infrastructures.