A community buyout of the Westford Inn in North Uist is being mooted.
A steering group has been launched to explore taking the premises into mutual local ownership.
If successful, it could be the second community-
Gauging support for a community takeover will be assessed at a public meeting being held in Carinish Hall on Tuesday.
The 18th century Georgian listed building on the west side of the island has operated irregular opening times in recent years. Locals complained the owners would sometimes close it for days, even during the tourist season.
The steering committee said it has been “informed by the current owners of the Westford Inn that they intend to sell the inn, putting it on the market in the near future.”
The group said: “We believe that community ownership is the best way forward to enable the Westford Inn to be used and developed as a community resource throughout the year.”
“This could only be achieved with the support of the local community and even then success depends on a number of factors including funding sources, timing of the sale, and other possible purchasers that might move more quickly.”
The steering panel is holding discussions over possible funding with development agency HIE.
They have approached the Plunkett Foundation which has financially supported many community pub purchases in England.
Community buyout of island pub proposed
8 April 2015