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Express an interest in a community asset transfer

It is recommended that you submit an expression of interest before you submit a formal application, so we can help you develop a strong application.

We recommend submitting an expression of interest in a community asset transfer before making a full application.

This step allows us to help you develop a strong application and iron out any issues before putting substantial effort in to a full application.

The formal expression of interest is designed to tell us:

  • your group's structure and purpose
  • your experience in project development and main activities
  • your roots in the community
  • what asset you are interested in and why
  • what benefits there will be for the local community

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01387 260247

Who can apply

Only a Community Transfer Body – Scottish Government can make an asset transfer request. 

This is either a community controlled body or a body designated by the Scottish Ministers.

A Community Transfer Body must:

  • say what community it speaks for
  • allow all people who are part of their community to be members
  • have a membership of at least 20
  • have a membership mostly made up of people from their community
  • use any money it makes for the benefit of their community

Submit an expression of interest

Include:

  • contact details
  • information about your organisation
  • details of the asset your community is interested in
  • information on what you want to use asset for
  • details of the benefits of asset transfer for your community

Finding suitable assets

A Community Transfer Body can request any council building or land you consider suitable for your goals.

The inclusion of a property or land in the register doesn't guarantee that an asset transfer request would be approved. There may also be exclusions on the transfer of assets held in Trust or Common Good too.

Help and support

Ward officers in your local area can offer support and guidance.

The Scottish Government have published guidance on community asset transfers – Scottish Government, including an easy read summary.

A range of local and national organisations can also help:

What happens next

We'll check that your group fulfils the basic criteria and that the property is suitable for transfer before making a full assessment of the request.

Our assessment will look at five key aspects:

  1. the strength of the outline proposal
  2. the standing of the organisation
  3. the vision and business plan
  4. community support
  5. the funding model

We'll let you know the outcome of our assessment and work with you to make any improvements that might be needed to the proposal. We should be able to provide feedback within one month.