THE roaring support a West Fife pub has had amid a community buy-out has been praised in Westminster.

Shares in the Red Lion Inn went up for grabs last month in an effort to raise around £250,000 from the village and beyond.

It is hoped the money from the share offering, along with grant funding, will allow villagers to buy the iconic venue from retiring owners David Alexander and Ann Dowds.

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman commended villagers’ ongoing efforts to buy the pub in an Early Day Motion (EDM) lodged at Westminster.

The EDM praises everyone involved and highlights the importance of helping communities “fighting to preserve valuable local assets”.

Speaking about the attempted buy-out, he said: “The Red Lion Inn is an iconic pub and it’s no surprise the community wants to take it over.

“If they’re successful, I understand the Red Lion Inn would become the first community-owned and operated pub restaurant in Fife.

“It would also allow profits to be channelled straight back to the community.

“This is a brilliant initiative and I wish everyone involved the best of luck.”

The pub has attracted the likes of Outlander star Sam Heughan to stop for a pint while filming in the village in recent years.

For more information about purchasing shares in the Red Lion Inn, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/theredlionculross