Crown Estate Scotland invests in community hub as Portgordon deal develops

Crown Estate Scotland invests in community hub as Portgordon deal develops

02 June 2021

Crown Estate Scotland has completed the purchase of the former Richmond Arms in Portgordon, Moray, as it works with a local community group to agree a deal to transfer assets to the community.

The building, historically the site of well-known local pub the Richmond Arms Hotel, had in recent years been converted into a private home.

Crown Estate Scotland’s purchase follows a consultation, run by Portgordon Community Harbour Group (PCHG), on the site’s potential redevelopment as a community hub. The two organisations are working together to find the best way to give the community control of property, including the local harbour.

Simon Hodge, Chief Executive of Crown Estate Scotland, said:

“As we discussed transferring ownership of the harbour and other local property to PCHG, it became clear that finding a place which could be a focal point for the community was very important to local residents.

“In the Richmond Arms, we have secured a building that is already familiar and well-liked as a meeting place by local people, which can now be leased to PCHG for their use. We’re happy to have taken another significant step toward helping them realise their vision for the area.”

Scott Sliter, chairman of PCHG, said:

“Establishing a community hub at the Richmond Arms will give the village a shared space to host all manner of activities – and create an opportunity for PCHG to earn income, which will be invaluable as we work to regenerate the Harbour Area.”

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