April 2026 - New season at the Inn and a new NACBS website!
As the Inn begins a new season we would like to sincerely thank everyone in our community and beyond for the support shown throughout the past year to this project. Your continued backing of the Lochranza Country Inn - whether as customers, volunteers or supporters - has been invaluable. The Inn continues to be a valued community hub and that is down to the people who believe in it and give their time, energy and encouragement so generously and the hard work of the Lochranza Country Inn management board, general manager and staff team.
Behind the scenes much has been achieved with the help of grant awards. We are grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund and the SSE Hydro Community Fund which have provided funding for Dan, our Development Officer, and enabled the refurbishment of the staff accommodation, some of the guest rooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as general repairs, overseen by Dan. With grant funding support, directors and staff have also completed training courses in accounting and hospitality.
Beyond the Inn, the Benefit Society has, through the work of Dan, been pleased to support other important local projects. We have assisted the Lochranza & Catacol Village Hall with grant funding and supported the Lochranza Loos trustees with the refurbishment of the public toilets, helping ensure these vital community facilities can continue to benefit the community. Supporting grassroots groups remains central to what NACBS stands for.
This year has also seen changes within our Boards' membership. We have
been delighted to welcome new directors to both the NACBS Board and the Lochranza Country Inn Board, bringing fresh perspectives, skills and enthusiasm as we move forward.
Jemma, our Community Engagement Officer has now completed her year with us, giving us valuable support with the Community Survey in particular, during summer 2025. The survey has enabled us to gather information and views from the community and further afield which continue to inform our work going forward. Jemma has greatly enhanced the social media profile of the Inn and community activities and events there. A variety of events have included hugely popular quiz nights, weekly mahjong, meetings of the Lochranza Philosophical Society, open music sessions, visiting and local bands and musicians, table-top crafting and a monthly mindfulness group. Special events have included a very enjoyable Burns Supper, the Arran on Film local history project and Arran Art and Archaeology. A new exhibition of the work of local and mainland artists, 'Art at the Edge,' is now open to visitors to the Inn dining room. We have had volunteer gardening sessions and a series of weekends run entirely by volunteers with film shows, quizzes, vinyl music sessions and excellent food prepared by Iain and Jane McFadzean.
Jemma has also created our new NACBS website which we are happy to say is now live! The new website includes details about our projects and the projects we have supported, a joining page for new members and a donations page. We are also building a new Community Directory highlighting North Arran businesses and community organisations. Please have a look at nacbs.co.uk and get in touch via Contact Us if you would like your business or organisation to be added or for any inquiry, ideas or feedback to the NACBS Board. We are happy to say that Jemma has now started a new post at Lochranza Country Inn, taking care of marketing and administration tasks.
Looking ahead, we are excited about what 2026 will bring and look forward to seeing you at the Inn!
Art at the Edge Exhibition
Arran Art & Archaeology Talk
Burns Night 2026