Crook Inn owner speaks out

David O'Leary • Published 22 Jul 2011 09:30 1 Comment

THE owner of the Crook Inn has broken his silence after becoming increasingly exasperated by inaccurate claims being made about the historic property.

James Doonan and his wife, Theresa, have long held their own counsel as the battle for the 400-year old inn raged about them.

But after Andrew Mason, vice-chair of Tweedsmuir Community Company (TCC), who have right-to-buy status on the property, was quoted last week saying: "It's up to Mr Doonan to sell the pub, we can't force him, the ball's in his court."

Mr Doonan felt he has no option but to set the record straight.

He said: "The fact is that TCC have never been in a position to purchase the Crook Inn as they don't have the funds.

"Two years ago I offered to sell the Crook Inn to TCC for a £1 deposit and a deferred payment to allow time for funds to be raised but this was turned down.

"My wife and I are both now retired after a long career spent in the hotel and bar trade, we paid good money for this property in 2006 and it seems we are just expected to walk away and leave it go for nothing."

Built in 1604, the inn has been at the centre of a long-running tussle between Mr Doonan and concerned locals for the past four years.

In 2008 Mr Doonan claimed the site ceased to be viable as a business and lodged plans to convert the eight-bedroom listed building into four large flats, and also construct a separate house on the site.

This in turn led concerned locals to form the 100-strong Tweedsmuir Community Company (TCC), with a view to buy and run the inn under right-to-buy regulations.

Scottish Government ministers eventually granted the group right-to-buy status in 2008 meaning they have first refusal on the property should it be put up for sale - a right which Mr Doonan believes TCC have exercised more than once.

He continued: "Earlier this year, following several months of negotiations initiated by my agent, I had agreed detailed terms with TCC for a fixed price with an initial lease period to allow grant funding to be obtained but TCC again changed their mind at the last minute and pulled out of the deal.

"Following this recent withdrawal, I have now resumed my previous plans for the property and essential fabric repairs are currently on site.

"The ball is therefore firmly in TCC's court and if they are serious about purchasing the Crook Inn, then it's up to them to come up with a good offer that would give me good reason to divert from my own course of action."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 22 Jul 11

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• 

  shomettedoug
  1 post
  Dec 14, 05:14
  Report comment

  Dear Sir/Madame,
  
  I am writing because I have just read Mr. Doonan's response regarding the sale of The Crook Inn to TCC. Although I live in the U.S. near Austin, TX, I have traveled to Scotland several times and during visits in 2003 and 2006 I stayed at Crook Inn for several days. I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the area and the Inn. The hospitality was outstanding and the accommodations equally pleasing.
  
  I have tried to follow the developments regarding the Inn and this was the most recent information. Although I understand Mr. Doonan's position as a businessman, it is indeed a shame that a viable arrangement cannot be reached between TCC and Mr. Doonan. It seems to me that in the interest of the preservation of a piece of Scottish history that a national appeal to the people of Scotland (if that has not been done) could possibly create more financial support. Perhaps even the formation of a non-profit corporation to market stock and raise funds is a possibility.
  
  I truly hope that some amiable agreement is reached to save the Inn and I would like to stay apprised of developments. I hope I can visit again and lodge and dine at The Crook Inn. Thank you.
  
  Doug Shomette
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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