Community in race to buy historic village pub

Locals have launched a bid to bring an empty rural village pub into community ownership.

The Brigg Inn in Brydekirk near the River Annan, which is currently owned by housing developers, has stood empty since it closed in 2020.

Since the owners agreed to sell it and with no private buyer coming forward, a community group has been working to raise the funds to buy it.

The group hopes to reopen the space through a volunteer-led model, restoring the pub, creating a small village shop and transforming the self-contained upstairs flat into affordable accommodation.

Shortly after it closed, the Brig Inn was sold at auction to housing developers who applied to change its use to residential.

The council rejected the proposal following strong objections and concerns from residents who feared the loss of a community space would have an impact on village life and local tourism.

But years of vacancy has led to storm damage, the loss of essential utilities and an unstable wall.

Now the community has secured funding of £95,110 from the Scottish Land Fund - 95% of the building's valuation - to support a community purchase.

But the difference between the valuation and the asking price has meant the community must raise the additional funds to secure the keys before March 2026 when the funding expires.

Isabel Martin, chair of The Brig Inn Community Pub and Hub, said the premises played a vital role in the area.

"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," she said.

"The work ahead is both exciting and daunting as we plan the purchase, extensive refurbishment and the potential for community-owned accommodation."

The committee will offer an update on the community buyout during a public meeting on Thursday.