April Newsletter – April 25th 2023
The North Arran Community Benefit Society (NACBS) are pleased to report significant progress with the Community Inn. As we move forward to a phased reopening, the recently formed Lochranza Country Inn Ltd (LCI) board are taking over the operational control of the new venture and will be responsible for the day to day management. As owners of the building, NACBS will continue to approve capital expenditure and refurbishment costs, as well as monitoring the finances of the new business. For the avoidance of doubt NACBS is a Charity whilst Lochranza Country Inn is a business.
NACBS have been delighted to welcome on board Craig and Heather Wood who have already made a substantial impact in driving the Community Inn forward. Further appointments will be communicated by LCI through social media.
NACBS continue to be indebted to our development officer, Dan Richardson, who has worked frantically delivering the schedule of work that is currently in process to achieve opening of each phase. Both parties (NACBS and LCI) had intended to open the Inn (Bougillie Bar) this coming Friday 28th April, however for safety reasons the opening has been delayed to the Bank Holiday weekend – Friday 5th May 2023.
When we first purchased the building with community support, NACBS were aware that we faced a number of challenges. Much legislation has changed in recent years which has prevented us using all of the existing infrastructure. Those local to the hotel will be aware of a flurry of local tradespeople helping to bring up to standard – flooring, fire doors, lighting, electrical fittings, plumbing, and heating. Whilst we had hoped to retain much of the existing business, quite simply, legislation and practical cost efficiencies have driven considerable capital and operational expenditure.
We would like to record our appreciation to the community for their ongoing support and for hopefully understanding the reasons behind our delayed reopening. As you will expect we do have a responsibility to ensure that everything is in place for safe and effective operation. LCI and NACBS look forward to welcoming customers to the Inn from the 5th of May at the start of our staged reopening.