Share offer could bring pub into community ownership

A GROUP aiming to purchase, renovate and revive a pub in Brydekirk hope to launch a formal share offer in the next few months.

A community meeting was held in Brydekirk Village Hall last Sunday afternoon to discuss the next steps in bringing the Brig Inn back into community ownership.

The event, organised by The Brig Inn Community Pub and Hub Community Benefit Society drew 21 local residents, all eager to learn more about the proposed Community Shares Scheme that could see the much-loved village pub reopened and run for the benefit of the community.

The society was joined by a representative from Democratic Finance Scotland, who provided an informative overview of how community share offers work, sharing examples of successful projects elsewhere in Scotland where residents have raised funds collectively to buy and operate local assets.

Attendees were encouraged to share their ideas and ask questions about how investment through community shares would work, how funds would be managed, and what level of local involvement would be expected. The discussion was positive and constructive, reflecting the strong interest in seeing the Brig Inn reopened and the building restored to use. A spokesperson for the Brig Inn Community Group said: “We have received tremendous support from local residents who wish to see the Brig Inn reopened and from the agencies who have guided us through the complex processes required to apply for funding towards the costs of purchasing the building.

“If successful, this share scheme will complete the funding necessary to secure the building and embark upon bringing it back to life for the community and under its ownership. We can then start the work to make our vision for the Brig Inn Pub and Hub a reality.”

The group confirmed that subject to the success of the Scottish Land Fund application, they will launch a formal share offer in the next few months.

Residents unable to attend are invited to follow updates on the Brig Inn’s social media pages, website and Brydekirk’s community noticeboard.

The group is also welcoming new volunteers and supporters to join the effort to secure a thriving future for the Brig Inn.

More information can be found at: thebriginnbrydekirk.co.uk and facebook.com/share/17UfzotgdP