Colonsay Hotel for sale – community look at buyout

A ballot of residents on Colonsay has returned a majority vote in favour of a community buyout of the island’s only hotel and pub.

Talks with business consultants are now under way to assess the viability of a community bid for The Colonsay Hotel, which is on the market for offers over £650,000.

Alex Howard, laird of Colonsay, and his wife Jane, stepped in to keep the former inn open 17 years ago, after a previous owner closed it.

There are around 130 residents on Colonsay and ballot papers were sent to all 98 permanent and second home households, with 30 Yes votes for community ownership, 14 No and eight Maybe/Unsure.

Dannie Onn, chairman of Colonsay Community Development Company, which organised the ballot after being approached by islanders, said: ‘Our concern is losing the community pub, it’s a holiday island, but it’s also a living community. Other communities have done it before, there is lots of government support, but we know it’s a big task.’

The community company has sought advice from residents in Knoydart, who recently made a successful community buyout of The Old Forge, the most remote pub in mainland Britain. They are also getting advice from the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, about its experience of buying Gigha 20 years ago.

A spokesman for the steering group, set up to investigate the buyout, said: ‘The fact the hotel bar has been closed over the challenging winter months has spurred on locals to consider community ownership.

‘If a couple or family wanted to take on the business, running the hotel in a way that fits the needs of the local community, that would be warmly welcomed. What is a concern is the thought of excluding local people through it becoming an upmarket and exclusive destination. If it was to be bought by investors with this in mind the island would suffer a loss and it’s clear now the community are in favour of something different – community minded management at the heart of the island.’