The rural community village of Brydekirk, near Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland has launched an urgent crowdfunding campaign to save its historic village pub, The Brig Inn, from being lost forever.
Once a thriving community anchor known across Annandale for its homemade Sunday roasts and warm, welcoming atmosphere, The Brig Inn has stood empty since it closed during the pandemic in 2020. It was later sold at auction to housing developers, who applied for a change of use to residential, a proposal that sparked deep concern locally, as the loss of a vital community space would have a significant impact on both village life and local tourism.
Following strong objections from residents, the council rejected the proposal. With no private buyer stepping forward, the community decided to act. The Brig Inn Pub and Hub Committee was formed and, after years of determined work, has secured a major breakthrough: the Scottish Land Fund has agreed to fund 95% of the building’s valuation to support a community purchase.
Despite this pivotal milestone, a crucial funding gap still remains. The owners have agreed to sell, but the difference between the valuation and the asking price means the community must urgently raise additional funds to be in a fighting chance to secure the keys in time. If they cannot meet this target before grant monies expire in March 2026, the Scottish Land Fund award will be lost, and the Brig Inn will once again be at risk.
Situated beside the River Annan on the well-loved Annandale Way walking route, the Brig Inn has long served ramblers, cyclists, anglers and visitors. Since its closure, residents regularly report visitors asking whether the pub is still open, a clear sign that demand for a rural hub remains strong.
Years of vacancy have taken its toll on the building. Significant restoration is required immediately, including repairs to storm-damaged ceilings, reconnection of essential utilities, and urgent reinforcement of a critically compromised retaining wall.
The community plans to reopen the space through a volunteer-led model, restoring the pub as a warm and lively social hub, creating a small village shop, and transforming the self-contained upstairs flat into community owned/run affordable accommodation.
If the committee are successful in reaching its crowdfunding target and complete the purchase, it will unlock major funding opportunities to begin transforming the Brig Inn, including the option of a future community share offer. This would give local people a direct stake in the pub’s future and help secure its long-term sustainability.
Isabel Martin, Chair of The Brig Inn Community Pub & Hub, said:
“Thank you to the Scottish Land Fund for showing confidence in us and giving us the chance to buy the Brig Inn, bring it back to life as the heart of this small village, and create a welcoming place for people to reconnect, something that has suffered badly in recent years. What began as an enthusiastic idea has now become a genuine foundation for the Brig Inn’s future as a warm, lively pub and community space. The work ahead is both exciting and daunting as we plan the purchase, extensive refurbishment and the potential for community-owned accommodation.”
Successful examples such as The Old Forge in Knoydart show how community-run pubs can transform rural resilience, strengthen local pride and sustain essential local services. Brydekirk hopes to build on this model, creating a sustainable hub that serves residents and visitors for generations.
The committee will host a public meeting at Brydekirk Village Hall on Thursday 11 December at 7pm to share the plans, answer questions and support anyone wishing to donate.
To support the campaign or learn more, visit: https://www.thebriginnbrydekirk.co.uk
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