A charity-run bar, restaurant and events space in Maybole has closed its doors due to rising energy costs.
Goudie’s, owned by charitable organisation Carrick Community Leisure Group (CCLG), was a meeting hub for several community groups in the town, including the Maybole Pipe Band, Maybole Over Fifties and Slimming World.
A spokesman for CCLG, who thanked the staff, customers and community groups for supporting the venture, said the “incredibly difficult” decision to close was due to the facility being “impossible to continue with in this current economic climate.”
They said: “Although CCLG, as a charity, owns the building, because of restrictions on charities, a trading arm known as a community interest company (CIC) was responsible for trade through the café, bars and function facilities and employed the staff.
“It was this CIC which stopped trading and, without the staff to operate the building and supply a source of income to pay the bills, the facility is currently closed to all.
“This includes the community groups that it was created to help support which at the time of closure was Maybole Pipe Band, who rehearse there; Maybole Over Fifties’ yoga, sewing, knit and natter, bingo and arts group; the OAP lunch club; two martial arts clubs; Slimming World; a line-dancing group; another arts group; a counselling group and more.
“These groups paid for lets or contributed towards costs but, without trade, that would simply not cover the costs of heating and lighting.
“It should be stressed that both entities are/were on a not-for-profit basis and no trustee or director can receive any payments or dividends and never have.”
The spokesperson insisted the facility “has not been lost” and is “secure for now whilst options are considered for its future use.”
An open meeting will be held next year (January 11 at 7pm in Goudie’s) to discuss the potential future uses and operators of the building, which could include new trustees or a community-led organisation taking over the facility; a new tenant who could operate the building as they see fit; or selling the facility.
Maybole Pipe Band said on their Facebook page: “We are sad to hear the news that our practice venue Goudie’s has ceased trading.
“We have a long history in the building and have lots of fantastic memories of practices and playing at events, in particular the Hogmanay ball.
“We have suspended Wednesday night practices until we find an alternative venue.
“We would like to thank everyone at Goudie’s for supporting the band for so many years.
“For now our thoughts are with all the staff members who have been affected by the closure.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
