A community-owned pub and hub in Ballantrae has been recognised on the national stage after winning a prestigious award celebrating teamwork and community spirit.
The Kings Arms Community Pub and Hub was crowned winner of the Team Spirit Award at the 2026 Rural Community Business Awards, hosted by Plunkett UK.
The Ballantrae venue was the only Scottish winner across the nine award categories, with its volunteers praised for their collaboration, dedication and commitment to supporting the local community.
The winners were announced during a ceremony at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London, sponsored by Lands Improvement.
More than 80 nominations were submitted from across the UK, highlighting community businesses and individuals making a positive difference in rural areas.
Sarah Benn, Relationships Team Leader at Plunkett UK, said: “It has been a great joy to recognise and celebrate all of the finalists at this year’s Rural Community Business Awards.
“Each one is truly dedicated to making a difference in their community and having a considerable impact on the lives of local people in a variety of different ways.
“Well done to all of this year’s winners. Their award is very much deserved.”
The former Kings Arms Hotel, an 18th-century coaching inn and the last remaining pub in Ballantrae, was purchased for the community by the Ballantrae Trust in 2020.
The purchase was made possible with financial support from the Scottish Land Fund and the Carrick Futures Community Benefit Fund.
The historic building had been on the market for several years without attracting a serious buyer, prompting residents to take action to prevent the village from losing its final pub.
A Community Benefit Society, supported by local shareholders, was established to operate the facility.
Volunteers now organise activities and events designed to reduce social isolation, promote health and wellbeing, and bring residents and visitors together in a welcoming setting.
However, those behind the project have faced considerable challenges, including rising energy prices and wider cost-of-living pressures.
Despite the difficulties involved in keeping the premises open, even for several days each week, volunteers have continued to give their time to ensure the community facility survives.
Sue Macdougall, Secretary of the Community Benefit Society, said the award was a welcome recognition of the team’s determination.
She said: “We’ve had our challenges over the years, but we have a great team of volunteers who work hard to keep the Community Pub and Hub open.
“It’s really lovely for all of their hard work to be recognised in this way.
“We were delighted to even be nominated for the Team Spirit Award, so we were over the moon to win.”
The award comes as the Ballantrae Trust prepares to launch an ambitious fundraising campaign for the future regeneration of the Kings Arms.
Plans include extensive internal and external renovations aimed at increasing income from accommodation and food services.
The project also seeks to create a fully inclusive, accessible and sustainable community business, while providing hospitality training and local employment opportunities.
Sue added: “The support we have received from Plunkett UK, Development Trusts Association Scotland and other external partners has been fantastic.
“The Ballantrae Trust, which owns the building, is about to embark on an ambitious fundraising campaign to finance a Kings Arms Community Pub and Hub Regeneration Project.
“This will involve internal and external renovation, allowing us to increase revenue from accommodation and food services and create a fully inclusive, accessible and sustainable business providing hospitality training and employment opportunities.”
Plunkett UK is a national charity which helps people in rural communities establish and operate businesses under community ownership.
The charity’s work supports its wider vision of creating resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities throughout the UK.