A HUSBAND and wife have returned to the trade after a six year hiatus with the acquisition of the Creagan Inn near Oban.
Sailing enthusiasts Liz and Allan Crichton set sail from Loch Ness to the south of France and Portugal six years ago after selling The Bothy – the Fort Augustus bar and restaurant they had run for 11 years.
But homesickness brought them back to Scotland where, after agreeing a funding package with Bank of Scotland, the Crichtons bought the Creagan Inn at Appin, on the shores of Loch Creran.
The waterfront pub was set to relaunch with a family day as this section of SLTN went to press, and there are plans to transform the open-plan space into a real ale pub and separate restaurant.
“The inn has endless possibilities,” Liz said.
“The pub is a great focal point of the area and we are aware how much this iconic centuries-old inn means to locals from Appin and the whole Oban and Fort William area.
“We have no grand designs. The Creagan Inn will be a ‘pub with grub’ but we hope visitors will be pleasantly surprised with the quality they find.”
Bank of Scotland business development manager Hamish Malcolm said: “Liz and Allan Crichton built up a fantastic business in Fort Augustus and have the expertise and drive to do exactly the same at Appin.
“We’re committed to supporting start-ups like Creagan Inn.”
Colliers International director Alistair Letham, who handled the sale, said: “The Creagan Inn offers a tremendous opportunity for owners and operators who have significant experience in providing food and beverages. Plus it has the advantage of three letting bedrooms and a private owner’s flat, all situated in a superb location with stunning views across the loch.”
