The Glenuig Inn: a springboard for local economic regeneration

Ahead of the European Rural Parliament Conference in Inverurie, our team headed up to the remote coastal village of Glenuig last weekend to meet with the trustees of the Glenuig Inn and learn more about their journey from passionate locals to Inn Managers. Their story is a prime example of a rural community taking its future into its own hands. In a very short timeframe, they have achieved something remarkable. They’ve not only saved a beloved community asset, the Glenuig Inn, but are turning it into a springboard for local economic regeneration, youth training and job opportunities, and hopefully a future social housing project.

Our team were there to discuss how the Accelerate programme helped them to achieve their goal of taking the Inn into community ownership. Their journey highlights how Accelerate's tailored support helps groups navigate the complexities of community ownership.

Their journey

The Glenuig Inn was at risk of being put on the open market for sale. The community saw its potential, not just as a business, but as a hub for local life, jobs and training. Buying the Inn required navigating a range of issues from building local momentum,  and understanding a complex business, to working through the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) process, which can be daunting for any group, especially one with no prior experience.

Their first SLF application was unsuccessful. It was a blow, but not the end. That’s when the Accelerate programme stepped in, offering expert support and strategic guidance that helped the team regroup, refocus, and rebuild momentum.

The group developed a fit-for-purpose early-stage business plan with support from consultants funded by the Scottish Land Fund. However the supported needed was broader than that and the Accelerate advisor guided them through the process, including the move to recruiting key staff.

‘Our advisor acted as a pathfinder for us, showing us the way through all the endless possibilities and connecting us with other support services. We would still be trying to navigate our way if it weren’t for this support; the Inn would probably not have come into community ownership.’

The team partnered with Community Enterprise to continue developing a comprehensive business plan, and thinking through the reality behind the plan.

The team’s commitment, demonstrated by rolling up their sleeves to run the Inn themselves while the purchase was in flux, showcased their dedication and capability.

The community share offer

Launching a community share offer in a rural area is no small feat. With just 182 households in the main catchment area, the team set a bold target of £300,000. Thanks to strong community engagement and a compelling vision, they hit their goal at record speed, a testament to the power of local belief and collective action. Although the pledges were in, the team were nervous that when it came time to collect, the total might fall short. Luckily, the money came in as quickly as the pledges, further highlighting the community's commitment to the project.

This success has unlocked SLF match funding, enabling the team to proceed with the purchase. It has also proved that the Inn isn't just a business idea; it is the community anchor, owned and supported by the people it serves.

Looking to the future

Since the community has taken over, the Glenuig Inn has evolved into more than just a hospitality venue. It’s given the community and trustees the belief that it can be a springboard for future projects,

Young people now have a place to work, learn, and grow, whether in hospitality, tourism, music, or food production. Local suppliers and creatives are finding new opportunities. And the Inn’s success is inspiring other initiatives, including a community benefit fund that will reinvest profits into local projects.

Perhaps the most exciting development is the team’s exploration of a social housing project. With the Inn’s future now looking stable, they’re turning their attention to one of the most pressing rural challenges: affordable housing.

The goal is to create homes that support local workers, retain young families, and strengthen the community. It’s a natural extension of the Inn’s mission, using enterprise to drive social change.

Lessons for Other Communities

The Glenuig Inn’s journey offers valuable insights for other rural communities:

• Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. The first SLF rejection was tough, but it led to a stronger, more strategic approach.
• Seek expert support. Programmes like Accelerate can make the difference between vision and reality.
• Engage your community deeply. Credibility and trust are built through genuine consultation and shared ownership.
• Think beyond the immediate project. Success can, and should, lead to broader impact.

The Glenuig Inn is now an example of rural resilience. It’s not just about saving a building; it’s about regenerating a community and creating a future that includes jobs, housing, training, and a vibrant local economy.

As the team looks ahead to a quieter winter before what is hopefully a bumper summer season in 2026 and new projects on the horizon, their story continues to inspire. It’s a reminder that with the right support, the right people, and a shared vision, even the smallest communities can achieve extraordinary things.