WENDY CHAMBERLAIN and WILLIE RENNIE at The Haven

Monday 6th October 2025: The local MP for North East Fife, Wendy Chamberlain, and Fife MSP Willie Rennie, paid a visit to the Haven, enjoying a chat and coffee with those involved with the ‘Community Buy-inn’.

They were keen to hear how our ‘Buy-out’ journey was progressing, and our next steps towards the ultimate goal of Community ownership of a much treasured Community pub, converting it into a ‘Hub’ for the whole community.

Having achieved Community Benefit Society (CBS) status, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and now with our own bank account, the next step is a stage 1 application to the Scottish Land Fund.

Our MP/MSP were interested in understanding the problems and challenges that we had faced on the journey and how they might be able to provide support.

One of the biggest difficulties is funding, Willie Rennie in particular felt that he could open several doors for us. There was also an honest chat with the current owner who highlighted the problems that many in the hospitality industry are currently facing, including VAT, business rates and the recent increase in Employers NI contributions. There are also challenges associated with the seasonal nature of trade in the East Neuk of Fife with increasing numbers of holidaymakers and AirBNB’s pushing up local housing costs. Margins today are very fine in the sector.

Both Willie and Wendy both offered their full support to the ‘Buy-inn’ and wished us all the very best of luck.