our story
Photo courtesy of Caroline McIntyre
about the north arran community benefit society (n.a.c.b.s.)
Supporting Community-Led Development in the Northend.
The NACBS was formed by local residents who shared a simple belief: that our villages thrive best when the community has a say in shaping its future.
Since 2021, we have worked to protect local assets, develop new opportunities and ensure Lochranza, Catacol and Pirnmill remain vibrant places to live, work and visit. In 2022 we became a registered charity and shortly afterwards completed our first major achievement - the community purchase of the Lochranza Country Inn.
Our work continues to grow through collaboration, volunteering and the dedication of local people.
OUR Approach
community-led decision making
At NACBS, our decisions are guided by the people who live and work in North Arran. We actively listen to local voices, encourage community involvement, and ensure our projects reflect the needs, priorities and ideas of the Northend. By working together, we make informed choices that benefit the whole community — now and for the future.
building for the future
We are committed to creating a sustainable and resilient future for North Arran. Through community ownership, long-term planning and collaborative projects, we aim to protect local assets, support economic wellbeing and strengthen village life. Everything we do is focused on leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
Supporting local connections
Strong communities are built on connection. NACBS works to bring people together — supporting local groups, volunteers, businesses and organisations to collaborate, share skills and create opportunities. By nurturing these relationships, we help strengthen social ties and maintain the welcoming, supportive spirit of the Northend.
Meet the Team
-
Duncan Craig
CHAIR
Community Member
Duncan has been in the community for over 16 years. A former business consultant and project manager, he was also a trustee of Hostelling Scotland for 8 years. He is a current Director of the Lochranza and Catacol Sea Society and one of the founder members of the Benefit Society. He is the current Director of Operations and Chair.
-
Alison Richards
VICE CHAIR
Community Member
Alison has lived in Lochranza for over thirty years, working on the Island in Health and Social Care. She was involved in Pirnmill Primary and Arran High School Parent Councils for many years, is currently a Trustee for Lochranza Loos and volunteers at Lochranza Community Growers.
-
ROBERT CUMMING
SECRETARY
Community Member
Robert is a long-term resident in the community and has held various roles for various community groups including Secretary for the Lochranza and Catacol Community Association, when he organized the meeting which voted to purchase the Hotel.
-
DAN RICHARDSON
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Dan has been NACBS Development Officer since 2023. He has administered the grant spending and has organised all of the renovations, from the staff accommodation to the kitchen. He can usually be found wandering around the Inn with a tape measure and a notebook
-
ANDREW RIGBY
REPRESENTATIVE - LOCHRANZA COUNTRY INN BOARD
Contributor Member
Andrew lives in Shiskine where he runs Kayak Arran with his partner Fiona Clarke. In addition, they let out a property in Lochranza where they also keep their sailing boat. Andrew worked as a volunteer at the Inn during 2023 often as kitchen porter. After being co-opted onto the NACBS board in August 2023, he obtained an alcohol sales licence and was the premises manager for the Inn between April 2024 and March 2025. He is the current LCI director for NACBS and advises on property and maintenance requirements.
Andrew can often be seen at the Inn doing minor fixes to enable the Inn to continue operating.
-
NEIL GREIG
DIRECTOR
Community Member
Neil is now a permanent resident of Lochranza, having been a regular visitor for over 40 years and getting married in Lochranza Church in 1985 to his wife Christine.
Having recently retired after a long career in motoring public affairs and the promotion of road safety. Neil joins the board having had a varied career history which spans over twenty years in the charity sector and also has a large amount of experience of committee work, public relations and grant applications. As the Policy and Research Director for the UKs largest charity he has worked with elected members and civil servants at senior UK and Scottish levels. He has actively lobbied to change government policy and also has experience of arranging events and contributing to written and broadcast media.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A Community Benefit Society (CBS or "BenComm") in the UK is an incorporated, not-for-profit legal entity registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Designed to serve the broader community rather than just its members, it is commonly used for community ownership of assets like pubs, shops, and renewable energy projects.
-
The North Arran Community Benefit Society was formed in 2022, initially to purchase the Lochranza Hotel (now the Lochranza Country Inn) but also to help support projects requested by the community. It is made up of Community Members who live in and are on the electoral register for the North Arran postcode areas and have bought a £1 share. It also has Contributor Shareholders who may, or may not, live within North Arran and who purchased shares in 2022/23 to support the acquisition of the Hotel. Major shareholders are also members.
All members have one vote each. Under the rules of NACBS 75% of voting members must be Community Members.
-
Please see our team section on the About us page.
-
You can contact us here.
-
NACBS is a registered charity and as such, cannot run a business. Lochranza Country Inn is a fully owned subsidiary of the NACBS which supports the NACBS through payment of rent and donating surplus profits for reinvestment by the NACBS. The Inn is operated by a team who are directed by the LCI Board.
The LCI Board is elected by NACBS members and is answerable to the NACBS for the performance of the LCI business.
-
You can view the NACBS rules by following the link within our footer, at the bottom of each webpage.
-
Please click here for information about the Lochranza Country Inn.
-
The NACBS works on projects identified by the Community Members and agreed at the AGM. Our last survey to find out what members wanted was carried out in Summer 2025.
The Lochranza Country Inn is an ongoing project. The NACBS is responsible for
Ensuring the assets are in good condition and meet the legal requirements for safety
Developing the Inn to meet operational needs and as agreed by the Community Members.
Ensuring that the Inn generates sufficient income for the community to support future projects, including the Inn’s development plan
The NACBS is also investigating the feasibility of two other projects.
One is the provision of affordable housing in North Arran. This project which started at the end of 2024, is dependent on finding suitable land in the area.
Another project is for the provision of renewable energy.
With experience and expertise in areas such as grant applications and project management, NACBS also provides support for other groups in the North Arran community on request.
-
The Lochranza Country Inn was acquired as a Community Hub. It belongs to the community in perpetuity. The future of the Inn is the sole decision of the Community Members.
-
There are several ways you can help.
Volunteer at the Inn: there are several opportunities to help. The Inn often requires volunteers to help maintain the fabric of the Inn, help in the garden, or support the bar or kitchen staff during unexpected peak periods. These opportunities are announced either on social media or via the Northend News. The Northend News is independently run by volunteers and can be contacted at lochranza.info@gmail.com
Join a NACBS project team. Why not check out our current projects. If you feel that you have skills to help us with any of our projects please get in touch with the secretary.
Become a member. If you live within the North Arran postcode areas and are on the electoral register in that area then by completing the simple form on this website and buying a Community Member Share for £1 you can become a Community Member. The more members we have the more we understand the needs of everyone in the community and being a member means
You can have your say, and raise and vote on the issues
You can stand as or nominate and elect the Directors for the NACBS and LCI Boards
Going to the Inn, meeting friends, having a drink or a meal. Not only will you be supporting the community, but you may also enjoy yourself!
Making a donation. Donations are very much appreciated and will be used to further the aims of the Benefit Society. You can make a donation here.
-
The LCI Board has a minimum of 5 Directors who are all volunteers with the exception of the General Manager of the Inn who may be appointed by the rest of the Board.
While most positions are elected at the NACBS AGM, the NACBS representative on the Board is co-opted because of the necessary skills required for the position.
The current members are
Gavin Pritchard: Chair and Secretary
Fiona Henderson
Christine Greig
Andrew Rigby: NACBS representative
Kirsty Pritchard : Interim General Manager
-
The share offer that was opened to support the purchase of the Inn is now closed. However, there may be another offer so keep a look out.
If you live within the North Arran postcode areas and are on the electoral register in that area then by completing a simple form on our Memberships page and buying a Community Member Share for £1 you can become a Community Member.