Decision should be reversed

Letter to Editor, The Courier, 15 June 2001

Sir, - I am genuinely saddened at the closure of the Cambo Arms Hotel, Kingsbarns. I grew up with the son of the then mine host and have known with affection “The Cammy” for over 60 years.

I was also saddened when Kingsbarns’ other pub, The Auld Hoose, closed.

I was saddened when three general shops and the chip shop closed.

I was saddened when two blacksmith’s smiddys and the joiner’s workshop closed.

I was saddened when the public library and market garden-cum-poultry farm ceased to function.

And, of course, nostalgia bit when all three traditional stone and pantiled farm steadings ceased to be the place of work of men with horses, cattle, pigs and storage of grain, potatoes, hay and turnips.

All of these premises are still in Kingsbarns. Every place is now one or more of a whole range of desirable private residences. Presumably in some of these houses now reside some who petitioned against allowing the change of use of the Cambo Arms.

What hypocrites! Had they supported the hotel when its doors were open, this situation would not have arisen.

Now that it has, why don’t the same petitioners put their money where their mouths are? A mere £1000 apiece and they could easily have their village pub.

The decision not to allow change of use of this hotel is doubtful in law and is without the support of either precedent or logic. It should be reversed forthwith.

Ian Turnbull, Sandyhill, Kingsbarns