A village pub near Kilsyth has been saved by its local community after being awarded £738,149 from the Big Lottery Fund.
People United for Banton (PUB) will now renovate the Swan Inn, transforming their local pub into a new community hub which will increase the services available in the community, tackle isolation and loneliness particularly among older people, and boost economic development while making the area more attractive to visitors and locals alike.
Catherine Moneypenny, secretary of PUB, said: “Almost two years ago the people of Banton feared losing our only pub, one of our last amenities. Now we are buying it. Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund we are set to transform it into the community hub we all want and need.”
The Swan Inn will house a cafe, restaurant and shop as well as a traditional pub. “Banton will enjoy fantastic facilities and have a fabulous place to welcome visitors to our beautiful village,” said Ms Moneypenny.
“The whole village has come together to make this happen, and our confidence in our community and our future has skyrocketed.”