Stanley's Hotel at Macraes finally has a publican.
The historic hotel was ''the hub'' of the town and the Macraes Community Trust had struggled to find someone to run it after the previous proprietor left more than a year ago. With the help of the Otago Daily Times and a free lease on offer, an appointment was made on Saturday.
A mother and daughter team, originally from Naseby in the Maniototo but now living in Adelaide, had accepted the offer.
Macraes Community Trust trustee Mat O'Connell said both women had experience in the industry, knew the area and the clientele and had loads of enthusiasm.
''They've got a lot of plans in mind. They want to get involved in the tourism side and what's coming out of Dunedin.''
One of the women had experience as a chef and project manager and the other was familiar with the industry, Mr O'Connell said.
They would not be bringing any other family members to Macraes to live at this stage. He envisioned the pair would start about November 29.
