Prince William and Catherine visited the community-owned Anchor Tavern on Scotland’s Isle of Bute on September 17. The engagement highlighted a pub rescued by local residents.
The official Court Circular for September 17 records the visit using their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay. It also records their visit to Bute Shinty and Amateur Athletic Club and a beach clean with Beachwatch Bute at Ettrick Bay.
Behind the royal engagement is a much longer local effort. Residents organised, sought grant funding and bought community shares to bring a village gathering place back into use.
How the rescue was funded
The Port Bannatyne Development Trust’s original fundraising appeal records that residents formed the trust in January 2021. Following consultation, they pursued a community purchase of the Anchor Tavern.
That record separates three sources of support. A successful Scottish Land Fund application in September 2021 supported the purchase. A community share offer launched that November raised £92,385 towards renovation. A separate Crowdfunder appeal then sought additional money for improvements.
The Crowdfunder page displays £1,819 from 47 supporters and marks that campaign as successfully funded in February 2022. That figure is the result of that particular appeal, rather than the total raised to save the pub.
Proposed improvements included access between the bar and adjoining hub, better toilets and work on the rear garden. The organisers described a place where residents, visitors and sailors could meet throughout the year.
Updated September 24, 2026: The Court Circular confirms that the September 17 visit took place. The advance preview has been updated with that confirmation.
Another route to supporting local projects
Community ownership and grant funding serve different purposes. For a separate example of support for local organisations, our Princetown community fund guide explains the Duchy of Cornwall scheme and its application routes. That fund is distinct from the residents’ purchase of the Anchor Tavern.
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