Katie and Phil Witton, the owners of Foggies in Elgin, are feeling the financial pinch after losing thousands of pounds on their latest project. The couple had big dreams of reopening the Brander Arms in Lossiemouth, which they planned to rename Brume and Brander. However, they recently announced on Facebook that they are throwing in the towel due to a series of setbacks that have made it impossible to move forward. The pub was set to open this month, but those plans have now been scrapped.
The Decision to Abandon the Plan
In a heartfelt post, Katie and Phil expressed their disappointment at having to walk away from the Brander Bar project. They had poured their time, energy, and money into transforming the space into something truly special for the community. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond their control have led to this difficult decision. The couple highlighted issues such as the lack of electricity supply in the building and challenges in securing access for tradespeople as major roadblocks. These obstacles have made it unfeasible to proceed with the necessary work to open the pub.
A Silver Lining in the Clouds
Despite the setback, Katie and Phil remain resilient and determined to bounce back stronger. They acknowledged the support of the local community and the tradespeople involved in the project, expressing gratitude for their assistance. The couple mentioned that they have suffered significant financial losses but are not giving up. They promised to regroup, refocus, and come back fighting. The announcement of their withdrawal from the Brander Bar project has left locals saddened, with many expressing their disappointment on social media. The closure of the Brander Arms last year for repairs to the harbour sparked hope for its revival, but the challenges faced by Katie and Phil have dashed those hopes for now. The future of the pub remains uncertain, but the resilience of its owners shines through as they vow to return to the drawing board and try again.
In Conclusion
The tale of the Brander Arms and its transformation into Brume and Brander is one of setbacks and resilience. Katie and Phil Witton’s journey to breathe new life into the pub has hit a roadblock, but their determination to overcome challenges is unwavering. The community’s support and the dedication of tradespeople have not gone unnoticed, despite the financial losses incurred. The closure of the Brander Arms last year marked the beginning of a new chapter that now hangs in the balance. As Katie and Phil regroup and plan their next move, the future of the pub remains uncertain. One thing is clear – this is not the end of the road for the couple, who are ready to face whatever challenges come their way with renewed vigor and optimism.
