Twynholm tipplers are raising a glass to news that their pub’s future has been secured.
The Star Hotel was in danger of closing last year after its sale fell through in the final stages.
But locals were determined it wouldn’t be last orders at the former coaching inn, which dates back to 1785.
The Star Community Pub group was formed to keep the hostelry open part-time – with volunteers manning the bar.
Now owner Suzie Thorpe has found a buyer – live-in caretakers Kim and Nelson Coon.
Kim, 49, who is originally from Kirkcudbright, said the hotel would reopen on February 1.
She told the News: “I’m really excited. Everybody locally I have spoken to about it is excited too.
“We will be opening from Thursday to Sunday to start and are hoping to be fully open seven days a week by Easter.
“I think it’s really important for the locals because it’s their community pub after all.
“It’s going to be a lot of hard work – and I’m going to start advertising for staff.”
A delighted Suzie said: “I think it’s really great. Kim is from the area and they are very well known.
“She and Nelson totally get the community side of things. The Star is a community pub and always has been.”
Kim – McTaggart before she married – racked up a successful career in hospitality in England before returning home.
Now she’s taking on the Star and also plans to reopen the lounge bar and restaurant as soon as is practically possible.
She said: “I was managing a pub in Reading at 19, worked in relief management around Dorset and worked up to head chef in Weymouth.
“I have plenty of experience and know all aspects of how to run a hotel.
“We will both be running it but I will be the landlady and Nelson, who works offshore, will be in charge of maintenance.”
Kim is secretary of the Star Community Pub collective and, in the absence of the chairman, she will convene a meeting of the group at the hotel on Monday, January 16.
Suzie, from Dunscore, opted not to join the committee to avoid any potential conflict of interest, but has worked as a volunteer and travelled through to do weekend shifts pulling pints.
