Pub is The Hub to launch in Scottish Borders

A new rural services initiative to help rural pubs diversify and provide local services in communities will launch in the Scottish Borders in January.

Pub is The Hub is launching its service in the Scottish Borders in partnership with Scottish Borders Council. It is also supported by the Scottish Government, the Prince’s Countryside Fund and Diageo.

Pub is The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation which offers independent specialist advice on rural services diversification or community ownership of pubs, so they can provide viable local services at the heart of the community. Examples include siting post offices, shops, libraries, internet cafes, allotment schemes, school dinners, cash point machines, IT training and community cinemas in pubs.

Pub owners and operators, suppliers and local authority representatives in the Scottish Borders are being invited to attend the launch event on 20 January 2016 at The Lodge Carfraemill in Lauder, Berwickshire.

The Pub is The Hub team will be there to showcase advice, support and funding opportunities for pub operators and owners who are considering a diversification scheme to improve and support rural services. 

Pub owners and operators will be able to apply for grants of up to £4,000 towards diversification schemes to improve local services.

Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub, John Longden, said:

"It has been a long-term goal for us to extend our special brand of local-services-in-pubs to Scotland. We are thrilled that the Scottish Borders are ready to take the plunge with us. Equally, we are delighted that Scottish Government is supportive of the scheme which will give licensees the impetus to ‘have a go’ and grateful to the ever-present support of the Prince’s Countryside Fund and Diageo in all our major projects."

Stuart Bell, portfolio holder for Economic Development at Scottish Borders Council also said:

"We are delighted to be involved in the Pub is The Hub launch in Scotland and welcome the opportunities for rural publicans to diversify their services. The scheme has the potential to strengthen village communities and I look forward to attending the launch event in January."

Pub is The Hub has engaged the support of Gordon Izatt, an experienced advisor in licensed hospitality, to act as the advisor for Scotland and he will be the local point of contact and advice for licensees undertaking any schemes. In the meantime, anyone interested in attending the launch event on 20 January 2016 can call the office on 01 423 546165 or email samhope@thepubisthehub.org.uk.

Visit the Pub is The Hub website for more information.