Update - September 2026
Hello again
I hope that you have had an enjoyable Summer. It’s been a good one.
As Summer comes to an end, the Management Committee is patiently waiting to learn the outcome of our bid to the Scottish Land Fund.
As you know, success would help significantly with achieving our objective of taking the Haven into community ownership. I have noted in previous updates that this is a highly competitive process but our bid is a good one. Over the past few weeks, we have been communicating with the SLF as they have (as with all projects) endeavoured to reduce the amount bid for. These interactions have been positive and productive. Fingers crossed.
At present, there is no confirmed date for a decision but we believe it will come around by the time that October turns to November.
It’s been a long road and I would like to say thank you for your support.
Our bid has been strengthened significantly by the level of support that we have been able to demonstrate. We now have 177 paid up members of the Community Benefit Society (the formal organisation established to legally underpin the bid). In addition, we have around 80 Friends. Fantastic – thanks to all.
In mentioning the value of the Community Benefit Society (CBS) as a vehicle for our work, it is important to note that all members are legally entitled to have a say in how it develops and conducts it business.
This is most formally done by way of an Annual Members Meeting. The Management Committee will shortly be calling a meeting which will take place in October.
At this meeting, members will, for example:
• have the opportunity to comment on developments to date and to put forward suggestions relating to the objectives of the Haven Community Inn;
• receive a financial report outlining the operating finances to date and the reserve created by the payment of membership fees;
• be asked to elect members of the Management Committee that will operate over the coming year.
The way that the CBS is constituted makes it a highly democratic body. All members have a single vote – no matter how many shares are owned. All voices will be heard and will have equal weight. I hope that you will be able to take part and, for example, to consider joining the Management Committee.
Details of the process for doing so will be circulated with the announcement of the date and venue for the meeting soon.
Finally (never to miss an opportunity to promote membership), any Friends who would like to move up to member status can do so through the website …..simply sign up here.
Many thanks again for your support for and involvement in the Haven Community Inn Ltd.
With very best wishes
Craig
Dr Craig Thomson
On behalf of the Management Committee
The Haven Community Inn Ltd
