Urban right to buy

A community group in Edinburgh has become the first organisation in an urban area to benefit from community right to buy powers.

Action Porty has today taken ownership of the former Portobello Old Parish Church with a view to transforming it into a multi-use community hub.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives communities the right to buy land and assets under certain conditions. While the powers have been used widely across rural Scotland, this is the first time permission has been granted to a group within a city to proceed with a purchase.

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

“Congratulations to Action Porty who have become the first organisation to use the community right to buy powers in an urban area.

“Our ambitious and progressive land reform policies have already delivered huge benefits to rural communities across Scotland.

“It’s great to see community right to buy now being used to unlock the potential of land in urban communities. I know other community groups will be inspired by Action Porty’s success.

“I wish them the best for the future, and look forward to seeing the group’s plans to construct a community hub progress.”

Background

More on Community Right to Buy and Action Porty.

The Scottish Land Fund awarded Action Porty £647,500 in February 2017 towards the acquisition of the church.