KIRKBY Lonsdale Brewery are launching a new beer and a new fundraiser to help save their town’s heritage.

In a year where businesses have had to save more than ever, Kirkby Lonsdale based business, The Royal Barn has pledged support to local fundraising group, ‘Save Ruskin’s View’ by launching a new beer with a percentage of the profits being donated to the cause.

The community has come together to try to raise the £1 million by November 2023 to save their iconic view.

Residents and visitors to Kirkby Lonsdale have been unable to enjoy the town’s infamous viewpoint and walk, since its closure in September last year.

Ruskin’s View, located in the heart of the town is a renowned heritage site that has become intrinsic to Kirkby Lonsdale's culture and community, inspiring countless artists and creatives and hosting thousands of visitors each year.

Elevated above the banks of the river Lune, the pathway provides invaluable public access to the cemeteries of St. Mary's Church, The Glebe Field, Cockpit Hill, The Motte, and the Rugby Club.

Due to continuous and unpredictable erosion from floods, the riverbank is unstable, making the viewpoints and footpath unsafe, resulting in its closure.

Residents and visitors have lost a beloved community space which has become intrinsic to both our community's heritage and wellbeing.

The closure is also a major heritage attraction and as such has a significant impact on the local business of the town too.

Owner of Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, Stuart Taylor has heard how the closure has affected locals and visitors first hand. Stuart said: “1822, was a conscious choice to support the fundraising campaign.

"The name commemorates the year when JMW Turner’s painting of ‘The view from the Churchyard at Kirkby Lonsdale’ was first published as a watercolour engraving in Thomas Whitaker’s “an history of Richmondshire’.

“The beer was launched at an event on Friday, at The Royal Barn to coincide with ‘Save Ruskin’s View’ fundraising campaign launch.”

Laura Keeler, fundraising co-ordinator for the campaign knows the importance of community support, she said: “The closure of the paths has affected the town in so many different ways, the support of the brewery reflects the determination of our community in reopening access to our beloved view.”

The launch saw the community come together in one place in support of the fundraising campaign and to try the new beer.

She added: “It was such a great atmosphere, the Barn served community spirit in pints. We are so excited to see the community support, and the beer tastes amazing too.”

For more information on how to donate email: admin@saveruskinsview.co.uk or visit the Just Giving page.