Ballantrae’s eighteenth century Kings Arms, last survivor of three pubs in the village, has reopened after it was forced to close in October.
It was bought for the community by the Ballantrae Trust with support from the Scottish Land Fund in September 2020, and following COVID, it operated from April 2021 until last year. However, thanks to new funding from Carrick Futures along with the Ballantrae Community Benefit Funds, the committee has upgraded the toilets, bar, lounge and restaurant areas, as well as external work on the roof, drains, guttering and outdoor space, all of which have allowed the pub to re-open.
Martin McCourt, a member of the management committee, said,“Our new committee has ambitious plans to replace the antiquated heating system, upgrade the kitchen and storage areas, before we turn our attention to repainting the building, resurfacing the car park and upgrading the bedrooms and the manager’s flat upstairs to ensure they are fit for purpose.
“The Kings Arms is more than a pub. The Community Hub part of the operation is very important. It is a place for locals and visitors to meet and mix, for family celebrations, and for local groups to use.
“We are very aware that we are just the custodians. We had to do everything we could to save the Kings Arms for future generations and we know that all the hard work will be worth it.”
The pub is open for drinks only at the moment but Martin said future plans will also include “offering food and overnight accommodation in time.”
