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
Through surveys conducted as part of our Community Action Plan 2022-2026, 95% of participants wished to see Sanquhar promoted as a walking destination, to increase tourism and to expand the network of local walking routes.
After the successful restoration of two popular but deteriorated pathways, the Euchan and Braeheads Core Paths, SEC have built a new 1.3km riverside pathway, linking to the Southern Upland Way and the existing Braehead Path at the western end of Sanquhar. This 'extension' has created an overall Pathway Network around Sanquhar of almost 7km. This new pathway has become incredibly popular and been very welcomed by the community. This is also due to the path being level, making it easy to walk and cycle along as well as accessible for wheeled mobility aid users.
The project will also deliver wider environmental and visitor benefits.
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SEC have planted native tree species along sections of the River Nith to improve biodiversity and help mitigate flood risk.
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SEC have installed durable recycled-plastic seating for summer visitors.
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Plans are to add local habitat interpretation boards to enhance the visitor experience.
This Pathway Project would not have been possible without the generous support of our Funders and kind permission of the Landowners for which we are very grateful.
Our Funders were: SWestrans D&G Council, Community-Led Local Development Fund (CLLD) administered by Third Sector D&G and SPEN ( Scottish Power Energy Networks ) - Biodiversity Fund.
Landowners are: Burnfoot Farm and Buccleuch Estates.
