Case Studies
Reopening the Crosswater
THE PROJECT
Barrhill Community Interest Company is proud to have supported Barrhill Development Trust’s renovation and reopening of The Crosswater, which welcomed its first customers in March 2026. This project represents a significant milestone for the village, delivering a community-owned venue that provides food, drink and entertainment for local people whilst attracting visitors and passing trade to the area.
THE BACKGROUND
The Crosswater had been identified by the community as a vital asset worth saving. In 2019, Barrhill Development Trust carried out investigatory work into the possibility of the community purchasing, managing and running the Inn as a bar and restaurant. It was clear from an early stage that reopening the Inn was about far more than providing a place to eat and drink. It was about the long-term sustainability of the village itself.
Without a focal point for community life, villages can quickly lose their identity and economic activity. People pass through rather than stop. Working-age residents leave to find employment elsewhere. The population gradually declines. The Crosswater project was designed to help reverse that pattern.
COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
Barrhill Development Trust led the process of bringing The Crosswater into community ownership. Using funding from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Land Fund, the community purchased the asset in 2020. The trust oversaw a full programme of renovation works to bring the building back to a standard that would make it an attractive and welcoming destination.
The Inn reopened in March 2026 as a fully operational bar and restaurant, fitted out to a high standard and ready to serve both the local community and visitors from further afield.
The renovation and fit out was funded by the Barrhill Community Fund, using funds from the Kilgallioch Community Benefit Company and ScottishPower Renewables Mark Hill wind farm.
THE IMPACT
The reopening of The Crosswater has delivered a range of benefits for the village and the wider community. It offers a food, drink, and entertainment offering that gives local people a reason to stay in the village and gives visitors a reason to stop. Where previously people would drive straight through, they now have somewhere to pause, spend time and spend money.
Employment has been created directly as a result of the project. A minimum of two full-time posts have been established, alongside a number of part-time and seasonal roles. Having jobs available locally means people can stay, and it makes the village more attractive to those considering moving in.
The project has also strengthened the sense of community ownership and pride in the village. The Crosswater belongs to the community. It is run for the benefit of local people, and the community has a direct stake in its success.
LOOKING AHEAD
Barrhill Development Trust will continue to work closely with the operator of The Crosswater to ensure the business remains financially sustainable and continues to serve the needs of the community.
Loch Restocking for Barrhill Angling Club
Barrhill Angling Club benefits from funding to support their annual fish restocking cost.
Barrhill Angling Club was established in 1972 and exists to promote and encourage interest in angling within Barrhill. The club currently has 25 members, the majority of whom are Barrhill residents. Membership provides access to two local fishing locations, Black Loch and Loch Nevan. The club offers a range of membership options to suit different circumstances, including junior and senior rates, making angling accessible to as wide a range of people as possible.
THE PROJECT
The club applied for funding to cover the cost of annual fish restocking at Black Loch and Loch Nevan. A late-season restock of Loch Nevan, where most club competitions take place, was also included. This was funded by the Barrhill Community Fund, which is provided by Barrhill Community Interest Company.
THE IMPACT
The funding benefited anglers in and around Barrhill and helped the club to establish a programme of competitions open to non-members as well as members. This gave people who had not previously fished with the club the opportunity to experience the lochs for the first time, and directly led to new members joining. The fish were delivered in excellent condition and, following a short settling period, the club held its start of season opening competition, which attracted further new interest in the club.
What the community had to say:
"The funding supported anglers in and around Barrhill. It played a part in us creating club competitions which were open to non-members, giving them a taste of our lochs, and this in turn resulted in new members joining the club. The fish were delivered as expected and were in lovely condition. After a short rest period to allow them to settle, we held our start of season opening competition, which attracted new members."