North Lanarkshire pub to share in £5.7million lottery funding
The Swann Inn pub in Banton has been awarded £738k
Last updated 13th Apr 2018
The Swan Inn in Banton, North Lanarkshire is among 24 groups who will share in a £5.7million pot of lottery funding.
This “life changing” cash has been granted by the Big Lottery Fund in an attempt to bring local people together; developing happier and stronger relationships with each other.
The Banton pub has been awarded £738,149 as part of the redevelopment project to renovate the building and turn it into a new community hub.
This will increase the services available in the community, tackle isolation and loneliness and boost economic development.
Catherine Moneypenny, secretary of People United for Banton (PUB), said: “Almost two years ago the people of Banton feared losing our only pub, one of our last amenities.
“Now we are buying it. Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund we are set to transform it into the community hub we all want and need.
“In its new incarnation the Swan Inn will house a gorgeous cafe, restaurant, and shop as well as a traditional pub.”
Other groups receiving cash include Kilmarnock Station Railway Heritage Trust which has been awarded £148,487 to create a wellbeing hub north of Kilmarnock town centre.
It will involve refurbishing the Old Man's Cabin, which was acquired from the local council through a Community Asset Transfer, and turning it into a welcoming space for the local community.
Allan Brown, Trustee at Kilmarnock Station Railway Heritage Trust, said: “This will make a real difference to the people of Kilmarnock who are experiencing difficulties relating to a variety of issues including mental and physical health.
“We will now be able to provide healthy lifestyle activities on a regular basis to members of the local community including counselling, therapy, motivational sessions, meditation and acupuncture.”
Maureen McGinn, chairwoman of the Big Lottery Fund Scotland, added: “This latest investment of £5.7 million will help communities across Scotland to flourish by bringing local people together.
“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, thousands of people will gain access to multi-purpose community spaces in their local area which will improve their health and wellbeing."