Resources: Getting Started

Module One: Introduction to Community Asset Transfer

This module is the first in a series of six which have been produced by the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) to support the sustainable transfer of publicly-held assets into community ownership. COSS is delivered by the Development Trusts Association for Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.

Engaging in community asset transfer involves three core elements:

  • Examining the feasibility of an asset transfer
  • Planning for the asset transfer
  • Managing and sustaining the asset when acquired
This series of modules covers each of these areas and provides advice and guidance on making an application for asset transfer helping to ensure it is robust.
 
PDF icon 1 COSS module 1 - Introduction to Asset Transfer.pdf

Asset Transfer Route Map

This new PDF has been developed by Community Ownership Support Service (COSS). It is used by COSS advisors to identify where you are in the process, as laid down in Part 5; Asset Transfer, in the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. It helps to guide you through the steps along the way to achieving your goals.  Side one of the poster shows the four phases of the asset transfer process and signposts each phase of the journey.  Side two gives more detail and links to relevant information for each phase.

PDF icon Asset transfer route map web.pdf

Community Right to Buy Route Map

A Community Right to Buy (CRtB) is a pre-emptive right to buy land (or property) for communities throughout Scotland under Part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. It provides for those communities, who successfully register a community interest in land, to have the frst option to buy when the registered land is offered for sale.
PDF icon Community Right to buy.pdf

Negotiated Sales Route Map

Negotiated sales of privately owned land and buildings.
 
PDF icon Negotiated sale route map.pdf

Crofting Community Right to Buy route map

The Crofting Community Right to Buy (CCRtB) in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (“the Act”) creates a setting in which a Crofting Community Body (CCB), representing an identifed crofting community, may acquire eligible croft land (including "fshing rights and / or mineral rights (except mineral rights to oil, coal, gas, gold or silver))
PDF icon Crofting Community Right to buy.pdf

Participation Requests Guidance Notes

Part 3 of the Act 2015 on Participation Requests is focussed on extending and improving community participation in improving outcomes for their communities. It is the legislation that enables communities to request to participate in decisions and processes which are aimed at improving outcomes.

File Participation Requests Guidance.docx

Asset Transfer Guidance for Community Transfer Bodies

This guidance has been developed for both relevant authorities and community bodies.  Relevant authorities are required to have regard to guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers in carrying out their functions in relation to asset transfer.

There is more guidance for community transfer bodies on completing the request form, and more for relevant authorities on the acknowledgement and notices they have to issue following receipt of a request.

PDF icon Asset Transfer CTB Guidance Notes.pdf

Guide for Landowners by the Community Land Advisory Service

The Guide For Landowners (updated 2018) has been produced by the Community Land Advisory Service in Scotland and provides free, comprehensive information and advice to help landowners play their part in the surge in community gardening and food growing across Scotland.

PDF icon SF&G CLAS Landowners Guide 09.18.pdf

Land of Myths and (Occasional) Legends? by Roddy McGeoch

An attempt to map out some unclear areas of the law regarding Common Good land.  

PDF icon Land of Myths and (Occasional) Legends? by Roddy McGeoch (Law Society Journal 2011)

Common Good - A Quick Guide

Properly accounted for and properly managed, Scotland’s Common Good can be used to revitalise communities.

Read this Quick Guide and join the campaign to identify, document and restore your common heritage.

PDF icon Common Good - A Quick Guide

Scotland Community Gardens Starter Pack

If your group is looking to take on property to develop a growing project or community garden, The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens has published a Community Gardens Starter Pack specifically for Scottish groups. It can be downloaded below.

PDF icon Scotland Community Gardens Starter Pack

Keystone

Keystone is a quality award scheme that gives information and support to people who run village halls and community buildings. It will help you to make sense of legislation and regulation and put systems in place to keep things running smoothly allowing you to concentrate on providing the best facilities possible.

PDF icon Keystone

Managing Risks in Asset Transfer

Very useful guide that can be used to meet the concerns of both local authorities and communities

PDF icon Managing Risks in Asset Transfer

Pillars of the Community: the transfer of Local Authority Heritage Assets

Some helpful tips if you are looking to take on a heritage building

PDF icon Pillars of the Community

To Have and To Hold

A comprehensive and useful guide to asset development for community and social enterprises, but useful for Local Authorities too.

Produced by the Development Trusts Association (DTA).

PDF icon To Have and To Hold

Skills Self-Assessment Framework

This self-assessment framework covers a range of skills that a community organisation will require to successfully take on and develop an asset for their community. 

Microsoft Office document icon Skills Self-Assessment Framework