Community groups receive £853k backing from the Scottish Land Fund

Four groups have received a total of £853,022 from the Scottish Land Fund to buy land and buildings and transform them for the benefit of their local communities.

In East Lothian, The Ridge has been given £98,548 to purchase Empire Close in Dunbar, in order to continue to offer various services from the site, including a community training garden. They also plan to construct a skills training centre and re-open an historic walking route.

Steve Killeen, Chair, The Ridge, said: “Empire Close has become a very special and important place within our community, providing a beautiful garden space where people can come together to learn growing skills and experience all the wonderful benefits to physical and mental wellbeing of gardening. It is also a really important learning space for young people from our local schools to try their hand at construction skills.”

“Ownership of the site will ensure this precious asset is preserved and enhanced, with the addition of a purpose-built skills training centre. We will also reopen a medieval walkway between our sites, reconnecting ourselves with the past.”

Mairi McAllan, Minister, Environment and Land Reform, said: “I’m delighted that the Scottish Land Fund continues to empower local groups to improve their local areas.

“Communities know best what’s right for them including when it comes to the ownership and use of local land and buildings. Therefore it’s great to see more groups being supported to bring their vision for thriving community assets to life.

“I congratulate the recipients of the funding and wish them every success for the future.”

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund  Committee  Chair said: “The grants will allow these groups to provide a range of much-needed support, education and, in some cases, accommodation, for both urban and remote communities around the country “

Sandra Holmes, Head of Community Assets at HIE, said: “These successful projects announced today across Scotland are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefits of their communities. For example, the Applecross Community Company will be able to acquire a building to create much-needed space for offices, a workshop and housing, which will benefit local people and visitors to the area.

“Ownership will give the community groups greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.”