Following its formation in 2012 to raise money for projects in the village, Kingsbarns Community Development Trust (KCDT) initially hoped to take advantage of funds that would become available to local communities following the construction of a large-scale wind farm at Kenley Green.
While the wind farm has not yet materialised, the longstanding village shop and post office were put up for sale shortly after KCDT was established. With a view to a community buy out, funding was obtained from the Big Lottery Fund to conduct a survey of Kingsbarns residents, complete a feasibility study for the new undertaking and draw up a business plan.
The survey revealed great support among villagers for the plan, but before community purchase could be realised, the business was sold into private hands.
Our efforts were not wasted however, as we demonstrated that we can raise money and that there is enthusiasm for a community shop and shared space in the village.
Since then, the KCDT Board has worked hard to find an alternative site for a shop and has conducted further reviews of residents’ opinions, including a comprehensive transport survey. The most recent of these surveys, in spring 2022, suggested that the need for a shop and community hub remains strong.
More recently, and with the pandemic behind us, we started work on a new plan to establish a community hub, including a shop, within the historic Kingsbarns Inn. As of 25th June 2024, we are delighted to report the community successfully purchased The Inn at Kingsbarns, which will not only serve as an amazing community pub, but will also be developed over the coming months and years to provide much needed facilities for the community.
A huge thank you to everyone who has so generously contributed to this initiative, and to all who have worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Kingsbarns Community Development Trust 