Current Projects
Our roadmap to a successful and thriving community
Whigham's Inn
In June 2025, Sanquhar Enterprise Company proudly secured community ownership of Whigham’s Inn, thanks to funding support from the Upper Nithsdale Community Trust.
This derelict but culturally significant building, with its historical ties to Robert Burns, had long stood as an eyesore on the High Street after years of neglect by previous owners. Its acquisition marks an important step towards safeguarding local heritage and breathing new life into a landmark of real meaning for the community.
The next stage will involve revisiting and updating the Feasibility Study and Business Plan first commissioned in 2024, funded by the Scottish Land Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund, to reflect current community needs and aspirations. Potential plans include transforming the building into a four-unit affordable housing development alongside a dedicated community and heritage space.
SEC will work in close partnership with South of Scotland Community Housing (SOSCH) to shape the project, ensuring robust planning and identifying suitable funding routes for the housing element.
Once revised plans have been finalised and agreed by both the Board and the wider community, SEC will begin staged funding applications to turn this vision into reality.
Blackaddie to Crawick Bridge pathway
As part of our Community Action Plan 2022–2026, surveys showed that 95% of participants wanted to see Sanquhar promoted as a walking destination, both to attract visitors and to enhance the network of local walking routes.
Building on the successful restoration of two popular but deteriorated pathways, the Euchan and Braeheads Core Paths, which were widened to meet safety regulations, SEC is now planning a new riverside pathway. This route will link the Southern Upland Way to the existing Braehead Path at the western edge of Sanquhar. Once completed, it will form a connected 7km pathway network around the town.
The project will also deliver wider environmental and visitor benefits. Plans include:
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Planting native tree species along sections of the River Nith to improve biodiversity and help mitigate flood risk.
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Installing durable recycled-plastic seating for summer visitors.
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Adding local habitat interpretation boards to enrich the visitor experience.
Funding for the 1.3km riverside pathway has been generously secured from Swestrans, the Dumfries & Galloway Community-Led Local Development Fund (CLLD), and Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), for which we are very grateful.
Work is scheduled to begin soon, marking another important step in positioning Sanquhar as a welcoming and sustainable walking destination.
