Major funding boost for campaigners bidding to save Fife village pub
A campaign to save a Fife village pub is on the cusp of success after a major funding boost.
The group trying to save the Haven pub and restaurant in Cellardyke, and turn it into a community inn, has scooped £358,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.
That is 90% of the total it needs to acquire the premises and carry out essential repairs, but to unlock the award, it has to raise the rest before the end of March.
The major funding injection follows nearly two years of intensive development work by a committed volunteer group. The Haven Community Inn Initiative now has 170 paid-up members who have shaped the project’s vision. It is now stepping up its fundraising effort to get the project over the line and begin operating the proposed venture in the Spring.
Dr Craig Thomson, who is leading the local buyout of his favourite watering hole, said: “We’re almost there. It’s now just a case of one last heave for The Haven.”
The chair of the community initiative continued: “The prize in sight for people in this part of the East Neuk is immense. We want to provide a gathering place for the entire community - not just a pub but a hub. Every vibrant community requires space for people to meet, share interests and ideas and socialise.”
The Haven enjoys a picturesque location on the Cellardyke harbourside. Its proprietor for the past 23 years, Trevor Gow, has been supportive of the community buyout.
“After being here for almost a quarter of a century, I know how much The Haven means to locals and visitors to the village,” he commented. “I’m obviously delighted it now looks as though it will go from strength to strength in the future for the benefit of the whole community.”
The aim is not only to safeguard the venture’s existing bar and food services but to open a new coffee house and provide a venue for everything from mother and toddler groups to book clubs and beyond. Dr Thomson explained: “We know that there is strong support for a community hub. Local individuals and organisations have been centrally involved in preparing the plans and in putting forward great ideas and suggestions.”
The Haven generated significant publicity during the World Cup when it twinned with its namesake in Boston, which became the adopted home of the Tartan Army. The enthusiastic response from across the Atlantic was a major morale boost for the campaign at a crucial phase in its membership drive.
The funding boost was welcomed by Willie Rennie, MSP for Fife North East, who visited the Haven and met volunteers earlier in the year.
He said: “I am delighted with this award. The Scottish Land Fund clearly identified what we saw, which was a strong community with a dedication and determination to keep the Haven as an important focal point. I am confident that the local team will turn this into a thriving business.”
The funding milestone marks 25 years of the Scottish Land Fund empowering local communities to acquire vital land and assets.
Linked with the National Lottery Community Fund, it is distributing more than £3m to 24 projects across the country in its latest round, with one of the largest sums being awarded to the proposed Cellardyke hub and pub.