Community Asset Transfers given the go-ahead in Aberlour, Lossiemouth and Findochty

Two competing requests were received for the Alice Littler Park in Aberlour, from Play Aberlour and the Aberlour Community Association.

Moray Council today agreed to approve the request from the Aberlour Community Association, which is currently responsible for the play area within the park. Both requests were put out for public consultation, and the consultation confirmed strong support from the community for a transfer of the park to the Association.

The Association, which has pledged to work closely with community groups – including Play Aberlour – has also seen its request supported by the Alice Littler Trustees. The asset transfer, which has projected benefits of economic development, public health, social and environmental wellbeing, will not be finalised until statutory processes for both asset transfer requests are completed.

Findochty Town Hall is set to be transferred to its namesake charity, subject to approval by the Court as it’s held as a Common Good title. The charity, set up to benefit Findochty and its surrounding communities, received the KeyStone Award in December 2019, recognising it had met required standards of governance and management.

The benefit of its transfer request is primarily social wellbeing, covering a range of activities intended to reduce social isolation, bring people together and create a stronger community spirit.

Meanwhile, in Lossiemouth a skate park is set to be created on land at Couldardbank Playing Fields. Subject to approval by the Court, the Lossiemouth Community Development Trust will take on a 25-year lease of a 0.18 hectare site, for £1 annual rent.

Funding has already been identified for the skate park proposals, which have community support and are aimed at increasing access to leisure facilities, encouraging participation in sport leading to healthier lifestyles, and social wellbeing.

Cllr Aaron McLean, Chair of the Education, Communities and Organisational Development Committee, said: “The organisations taking over these assets show just how vibrantly successful the grassroots organisations we have in Moray are in developing sustainable plans for their communities.

“All the facilities will be of massive benefit to the health and wellbeing of their respective communities and we wish them all the best for the future and look forward to seeing how they develop.”