THE first pints were poured at Wigtown’s new community owned pub on Friday night.
It was a significant milestone for the Wigtown Community Inn Community Benefit Society who bought The Plough Inn transforming it in to the Wigtown Ploughman.
The move was made possible thanks to £337,500 from South of Scotland Enterprise to buy the building, with a further £31,234 from a community share offering.
Friday’s big moment saw David McAdam MBE join the team to pour the first pint, having worked in the pub in the 1970’s when it was called The Commercial.
Chairman of Wigtown Community Inn, Craig Hamnett, said: “This project is more than just a pub. The building will also be used as a community hub.
“It will be a welcoming, free-to-access place where people can come to stay warm, connect with others, enjoy a hot drink, play board games, read the newspaper, or just relax and feel at home away from home.
“Outside the regular community hub opening hours (and when the bar is closed or quiet), the space can also be booked by members of the community or social groups. Beyond physical warmth, the warm space will also provide a sense of belonging, safety, and community.
“We hope to have the accommodation up and running in the coming months, creating further employment opportunities, and our aim is then to design a food offering that entices locals and tourists alike.
“Our goal is ultimately to foster an environment of excellence and be able to offer hospitality and catering apprenticeships through partnerships with Dumfries and Galloway College.
“This community-led project is just getting started, and we plan to be here in the heart of Wigtown for generations to come.”
