Enjoying a pint is our human right

Mark Smith, The Edinburgh Evening News, 21 March 2003

Villagers fighting to save an historic Midlothian pub are to use human rights laws in a bid to ensure they can continue to enjoy a pint at their local.

The Middleton Inn closed down last year and now its owners have applied for planning permission to convert it into two private homes.

But thirsty locals in North Middleton claim any move to permanently shut down the village’s only pub would breach their human rights.

The Middleton Inn was a historic stopping point on the drovers’ road from the Borders to Edinburgh, now the modern A7.

It is understood that the inn, which had accommodation and a restaurant, as well as a bar, dates back to the 17th century.

Locals claim that, under article one of the European charter of human rights, the council can block any move to alter the use of a building if it is against the public interest.

Human rights law was invoked to save a village pub in Fife. The Cambo Arms in Kingsbarns, near St Andrews, was saved two years ago when the owners wanted to turn it into private homes.

Now North Middleton residents want Midlothian Council to use the same laws to save their pub.

The villagers have backing from real ale group Camra and have written to Prince Charles, who has spoken in support of village pubs, asking him for backing.

Leading campaigner Lucy Quinton said: "We believe we have a good case. Under the legislation, the rights of the community have to be taken into account in any decision taken by the local council.

"The loss would be a tragedy for this small rural community as this is the only service we have.

"The Middleton Inn has been a historic meeting place at the heart of our community for hundreds of years, and is a vital social and economic facility.

"With a new housing development almost doubling the size of North Middleton, demand couldn’t be stronger for the pub and restaurant. We are frantically registering our objections with council planners before they make their decision on March 25."

Ms Quinton, 34, added: "We have also written to Prince Charles for his support. He has been a vocal supporter of ‘the pub as the hub’, seeing it as a necessary amenity for villages."

Since the pub closed last September, visitors have been arriving in the village for a drink or a meal at the inn, which is marked in many guidebooks, only to find it has closed down.

Fellow campaigner Stephen Finch, 30, said: "The pub was a great place to meet people and relax. It also attracted visitors and helped keep the place vibrant."

A spokesman for Camra said: "We will be writing to Midlothian Council, urging them not to allow the pub premises to be turned into private homes. We are sure these premises could be a viable business, allowing the villagers to enjoy a pint at their local."

The owner of the Middleton Inn, who took over the pub two years ago, was not available for comment. It is understood the owner lives in Dubai.

Human rights experts confirmed that European legislation could be used to save the pub.

John Scott, of the Scottish Human Rights Centre, said: " Certainly, human rights legislation could be used by a small community if its quality of life was under threat, in the same way that an individual or family could. Of course, any such case would have to be tested in a court of law."

A Midlothian Council spokeswoman confirmed that a decision on the building’s future would be taken on March 25.