Residents of Sandbank, a small village in Argyll, celebrated the opening of their community-owned pub, the Oakbank Inn, on Saturday night after a three-year campaign to buy and restore the historic building. The inn, located on the Holy Loch, had closed at the end of 2022 following the Covid pandemic, leaving the village without a local pub.
The project was spearheaded by a committee chaired by Sue McKillop, formed in early 2023. After an initial rejection, the group secured a Scottish Land grant of nearly £150,000 in December 2023, covering most of the purchase price. Additional shares raised over £23,000, and volunteers contributed thousands of hours to refurbish the bar, which now features an airy sky-blue colour scheme.
“It’s been an uphill struggle,” said founding committee member Ian MacNaughton, who recalled sneaking into the pub for a pint at age 16. The reopening night saw a lively atmosphere, with locals filling the cosy space adorned with Christmas lights. Minor issues like a wonky nozzle and a radiator leak were quickly resolved by patrons.
The Oakbank Inn aims to be more than just a pub, serving as a social hub to alleviate isolation. Development officer Dawn Petherick said the venue has hosted pop-ups, workshops, and charity mornings, with plans for knitting groups, book clubs, and sober nights. Future ambitions include refurbishing upstairs accommodation, a studio gallery, and a commercial kitchen.
Despite the success, challenges remain. McKillop acknowledged the pressure to innovate in a tough climate, especially as another local pub, the Strone Inn, is set to close. However, community-owned pubs have proven resilient, with a 98% five-year survival rate according to Plunkett UK, whose chief executive James Alcock praised the project for protecting vital social spaces.
