Historic inn to reopen

The Citizen, 20 February 2004

One of Scotland's oldest coaching inns is to be given a new lease of life.

For more than 400 years, there has been a pub on the site of the Cambo Arms Hotel in Kingsbarns, closed since the end of November 2000.

New owner, Falkirk-based Ian Murtagh, is redeveloping the listed property and hopes to reopen next month under the name of The Barns at Kingsbarns.

The interior has been radically altered and upgraded, but Mr Murtagh is keen to stress that it will be first and foremost a pub for the village.

There are plans to open up the courtyard so that people can enjoy sitting outside and the emphasis will be on good food in the 50-seater restaurant.

There will also be all the usual lagers and beers, including two 'guest ales' every month. In all, The Barns will have four letting bedrooms.

Mr Murtagh, who will run the premises with his wife, Marilyn, bought the property in October.

Originally from Glasgow, he has been involved in the licensed trade most of his working life and plans to employ 10 people - full and part time - at the hotel which should be up and running by mid-March.

One local resident told the Citizen this week: "I am delighted to see the hotel opening again.

"It will breathe new life into the village, particularly in summer, when people are sitting outside.

"I think it encourages passing motorists to stop and take a closer look at the area."

Another said it was excellent news that the inn was to open again, and the fact it would bring employment to the area was a welcome bonus.