Community Right to Buy

Date: Tuesday 3rd March

Hosts: Audrey Dunn, Claire Martin and Harry Whitmore, Churches Advisors, Community Ownership Support Service

Guest Speakers: Dave Thomson, Head of Community Land Team, Scottish Government

This event is part of our New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years.

Event description:

The Community Right to Buy is a means for geographical communities to acquire land and buildings. As churches listed for disposal across Scotland enter the open market, the Community Right to Buy may prove an effective tool for communities, giving them an opportunity to purchase their former place of worship. This workshop will cover key information regarding the Community Right to Buy processes, and attendees will hear from Dave Thomson, head of the community land team at the Scottish Government, to better understand what Scottish Ministers look for in an application.

Workshop content:

· Key initial steps that community groups should be taking

· What Scottish Minister are looking for in an application

· An explanation of the differences between the various rights

· Focussing on Part 2, and in particular, late criteria

What will I gain from this event?

· A better understanding of the Community Right to Buy (CRtB) legislation and the application process

· Knowledge on the steps you need to take to prepare your CRtB application and make a strong case

· Knowledge of the support and guidance available to help steer you through the process

Who is this event for?

This workshop is open to individuals and community groups interested in taking former places of worship into community ownership.

Where is this event taking place?

This event is taking place online.

Do I have to pay to attend?

This is a free event.

For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer at: louise@dtascot.org.uk

New Futures - Former Places of Worship is delivered by Community Ownership Support Service with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.