Community Ownership Nears for Historic Borders Pub

A historic pub located in the Borders region is close to transitioning to community ownership, having successfully obtained over £200,000 in grant funding. This achievement brings the initiative within £30,000 of the required purchase amount for the Templehall Hotel in Morebattle. An additional £45,000 is also being pursued to cover the costs of renovating and operating the establishment, its function suite, and adjacent property. However, organisers have cautioned that this transition is contingent upon local residents fulfilling their commitments to provide approximately £70,000 in financial backing. The recently acquired funding originates from the Scottish Land Fund and South of Scotland Enterprise. Roddy Murray, Chairman of the Morebattle Community Hub and Public House Limited group (MCHPHL), indicated that the responsibility for finalizing the agreement now rests with the local community. He expressed, “It’s very exciting to have the community right behind us, and if the share issue is as successful as we hope, then we could be up and running some time during February all going well.” Murray added, “But it’s all reliant on the success of community share issue now.” He further explained, “We received pledges from residents in and around the Kalewater valley and further afield, to the tune of £70,000, and if these all turn into money in the bank then we’re fine, but it’s got to happen quite quickly.” “It’s really got to happen by mid-January to have everything in place for the purchase,” he emphasized. The Templehall Hotel boasts a history spanning over 250 years and is situated along the St Cuthbert’s Way walking route. The MCHPHL has outlined two potential strategies for the hotel’s operation: one involves experienced tenants managing the business and paying rent, while the other proposes a community management group to oversee its running. Mr. Murray expressed confidence that local residents will honor their pledges, enabling the community to revitalize the hotel in early 2025. He stated that the establishment would transform into a “warm, friendly and welcoming country village pub,” complemented by an attached hub designated for various community activities.