My Place Awards 2021 sustainability winner: The Swan, Banton

The My Place Awards celebrate community-led built environment projects that have transformed their locality and are supported by the Scottish Government. They are unique in Scotland as a national celebration of good design and conservation nominated by local people.

For the first time this year, the Awards honoured a special sustainability winner to tie into the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and highlight projects that excel at reducing their carbon footprint and planning for climate readiness.

The Sustainability Winner of the My Place Awards 2021 is The Swan, Banton!

The Swan, a historic pub, has stood at the Banton village crossroads for over 170 years, geographically and metaphorically at the heart of the village. But by 2016, the building had become dilapidated and a demolition proposal was issued. The village rallied into action, and the People United for Banton (PUB) was born. An initial community consultation made it clear that residents not only wanted to save The Swan as a pub, but to broaden its remit to become a village hub.

After months of community effort, PUB secured funding to purchase the building, making it the first community-owned pub in Scotland. Completed in 2020, The Swan is a source of local pride and serves the community as a restaurant, bar, café, community kitchen and gathering space.

[DaveJenningsG]

Wonderful to see the great work done by the Banton Community recognised. Their commitment and dedication to this really is inspirational.

[annetanney]

Well done to the community in Banton ! It is amazing what inspirational leadership and a shared concern and determination to work for the common good can achieve. Obviously a great place to live! Anne Tanney.