Iconic hotel from Scots film classic opens its doors again

Published on Thursday 15 October 2009 18:58

A HOTEL that achieved worldwide fame as one of Scotland's most famous film locations has finally reopened its doors after two years.

The Pennan Inn, in the village of Pennan, on Aberdeenshire's northern coast, became a global icon – along with the village's red phone box – with the release of Bill Forsyth's classic film Local Hero, starring Burt Lancaster, in 1983.

The 200-year-old pub, a focal point of social life in the village for generations, attracted hundreds of film fans, who still flock to the coastal hamlet each year.

But it has lain empty since August, 2007, when owners Louise and Vince Melvin put it on the market and emigrated to Canada.

Two months ago the property was bought by Peter Simpson, a 28-year-old businessman from Turriff, after its price tag was cut from 425,00 to 225,000.

Mr Simpson said: "It's such a famous pub and it seemed like a good business proposition."

He added: "We are hoping to maintain the inn's unique character and put the heart back into Pennan."

It has also been revealed that the local Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership has been awarded a total funding package of 200,000 to develop tourism along the stretch of the Moray Firth coast from Pennan to Cullen.

The project, aimed at increasing visitor numbers and spending over the next three years, has secured 90,000 from the Aberdeenshire rural Leader fund, together with 100,000 from Scottish Enterprise and 10,000 from Aberdeenshire Council.

The group plans to recruit a tourism development manager and a project support officer.