Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) has launched its new community-led manifesto, calling for a fairer Scotland where local people have the power, investment and opportunity to shape their own futures. 

Representing nearly 400 development trusts across Scotland, DTAS works with communities to take ownership of local assets, build sustainable enterprises and drive local regeneration. Its support helps communities safeguard vital services, bring a new lease of life to local spaces and strengthen social and economic wellbeing in towns, villages and islands across the country.  

Last year, DTAS supported 81 local organisations, helping them secure more than £1.1 million in funding.

The manifesto highlights the ways in which communities are already leading change – from transforming disused buildings into thriving community hubs, to tackling rural depopulation and building a fairer local economy. However, it also highlights how limited funding and a lack of long-term investment is still holding them back.

To help Scotland’s communities reach their full potential, the manifesto sets out practical steps and policy asks centred around five key pillars:

  • A sustainable and supportive environment for communities
  • Developing local democracy
  • An inclusive, sustainable, wellbeing economy
  • Land reform and community ownership
  • A just transition and climate action

Among its proposed actions, DTAS is urging greater investment in long-term community development, reforms to land policy to expedite community ownership, and the creation of a community wealth fund to help local people take on and transform assets for public benefit.

Pauline Smith, CEO at DTAS, said: “Communities across Scotland are already delivering life-changing solutions to the challenges they face – from keeping vital services running to building a fairer local economy. But too often, their ambitions are limited by short-term policy and centralised control.

“This manifesto is our call for change to give local citizens real power, not just a voice. With the right investment and trust, they can shape a fairer, greener and more resilient future for Scotland.”

Case study: Huntly Development Trust

With DTAS help, member Huntly Development Trust has been able to secure the Strengthening Communities Funding needed to grow its organisational capacity and sharpen its impact locally.  DTAS’ Community Ownership Support Service has helped the Trust taken ownership of key community assets and accelerate its vision for local regeneration.

Donald Boyd, general manager at Huntly Development Trust, said: “Development trusts across Scotland are the beating heart of local action. We’re practical, on the ground anchor organisations – the “first responders” of community development – finding ways to meet local needs and secure new opportunities for local wellbeing.

“Here in Huntly, our work results in major local benefits and cost-savings to the public purse, but it requires long-term, consistent support.

“While we’ve made great strides in tackling local challenges, the support mechanisms identified by DTAS could help us and other communities across the country achieve so much more to drive lasting change.”

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