Last month, DTAS Debates welcomed members to discuss the undertaking of housing projects. Amid a national housing crisis, what is the role of Development Trusts in addressing the housing crisis in their communities?

With the colossal rises in property prices, short term lets and the huge increases in second home ownership across the country, communities are dealing firsthand with the harsh consequences of the shortage of affordable houses. DTAS members are listening to the concerns of their residents and are increasingly delivering solutions to alleviate these challenges.

The debate brought together a panel of DTAS members and academics: Dr Gareth James (the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing), Ewen Mclachlan (Assynt Development Trust), David Campbell (Shapinsay Development Trust) and Margaret Whitelaw (Lenzie Community Development Trust). This created a varied discussion, with the current Scottish Government housing policy explained with rural, urban and island case studies of community led housing initiatives. Each participant brought together a unique perspective, illustrating how the housing crisis has affected their communities and demographics.

Housing Emergencies and National Policy Dr. Gareth James gave background information to CaCHE, their areas of research and involvement as Cross-Party Group Secretariat for Housing. Gavin highlighted how a staggering 13 of 32 local authorities have declared housing emergencies in Scotland. He spelled out
that the rising pressure on homeless services, a dwindling supply on affordable housing and rent rises have all contributed to regional housing crises. In terms of current policy, the Housing Scotland Bill (at Stage 1 in Parliament) focuses on rent control and tenant rights.

Meanwhile, doubts linger over whether the Affordable Housing Supply Programme will meet its target of 110,000 new affordable homes between 2021-2032.

Barriers to Housing in Remote Scotland

Ewen McLachlan highlighted the acute housing issues in remote areas such as Assynt in the Northwest. With this region of Scotland suffering a severe depopulation crisis, Ewen presented the opportunity of building 1000 new homes across the Northwest Sutherland and Coigach in strengthening communities and stimulating local economies. At present, holiday rentals and Airbnbs price out locals of homes and local government housing investment is scarce compared to urban areas of the local authority. He argued, “We need government action to free up land, stop applying urban planning conditions to remote rural and island community led housing developments and allow our communities to thrive.”

Island Solutions and Successes

Davie focused on the benefits of community-led housing on the island of Shapinsay in Orkney. He put down a lot of the successes of housing on existing resources. The delivered projects have included renovation of homes, building of new homes and repurposing derelict properties for those who need it.

Having strong connections with farmers has allowed the Development Trust to use small plots of private land for developments. Similarly, working closely with contractors from mainland Orkney has allowed projects to go ahead smoothly.

Davie did acknowledge the benefits of having a supportive local authority: with allocated monies from second home taxes, the development trust is given extra resources to deliver projects. In turn, there are effective mechanisms in place from the council to ensure homes are allocated equitably among families, elderly residents and key workers. Whilst this is not the case for many local authority areas, it shows the power of effective partnerships possible with statutory powers. Davie stressed the need for successful relationship building, engaging the community and being proactive in identifying opportunities for home ownership and rental.

Urban Innovation to Housing Crises

Finally, Margaret presented Lenzie’s challenges with housing from an urban perspective, illustrating how higher land values and private developers are pricing residents out of the market. Especially with many older residents living alone, this has broken up residents’ ability to easily socialise and connect with their community.

She explained that Lenzie CDT are exploring Cohousing to address isolation, improve social care and help ease the area’s housing market. Cohousing communities are intentional communities, created and run by their residents.

Residents come together to manage their community, share activities, and regularly eat together. The development trust is currently in the process of acquiring an old school building for a project but is finding severe barriers to progress.

Strict housing regulations and a lack of available funding has meant Lenzie CDT has struggled to push through this innovative approach to housing. Scotland is an outlier in the UK, with just one cohousing project with England having over thirty successful projects.

Questions from the participants included the restraints of GDPR in Development Trusts identifying empty homes in their areas, the structural issues in pushing forward solutions to housing and the state of Scotland’s housing agencies with the closure of Rural Housing Scotland. Community benefit funding inequality was mentioned too in relation to the communities who have the capacity to deliver housing projects.

Closing Remarks

Davie called for a global toolbox approach to housing, drawing on shared learning and successful models from local, regional, and international contexts. He also highlighted the importance of partnership working, encouraging Development Trusts to link up with relevant organisations and sectors to combine resources and expertise.

Ewen emphasised the state’s capacity to rebuild housing stock, calling for sustained pressure on national and local governments to make meaningful investments.

Gareth argued for an emergency response to match the declared housing emergency, arguing that Scotland excels at creating policy but struggles with effective delivery. Additionally, he suggested that while there have been calls for a national housing body, it is essential to balance centralised resources with local autonomy, empowering grassroots communities to lead housing initiatives effectively.

Margaret urged councillors and decision-makers to adapt regulations and planning frameworks to accommodate innovative housing solutions. She also pointed out that while individuals within systems often recognise the benefits of novel approaches, structural barriers and rigid policies prevent progress.

If you would like to come along to our next DTAS Debate, on Wednesday the 19th of February, we will be discussing Community Engagement,

Representation and Inclusion in Development Trusts! You can sign up for this member-only event on our Eventbrite page now.

DTAS delivers a diverse range of events which are accessed by full, associate, provisional and aspiring members; as well as intermediary organisations, local authorities and clients of the Democratic Finance programme and Community Ownership Support Service.

In line with DTAS’ 3-Year Strategy and Membership Benefits, our event programme strives to provide those working and volunteering in the community sector with:

• Networking opportunities
• Improved organisational capacity
• Opportunity to influence policy
• Knowledge sharing
• Tailored advice and support
• Learning and skills improvement

DTAS delivered 68 events between January and December in 2024, and were attended by 1484 people.

View our PDF DTAS Event Report 2024.pdf for a deeper dive into our event statistics, a timeline of all events delivered and feature pieces on particular programmes of events.

The latest DTAS Debates session delved into a complex and timely issue: how Development Trusts can harness natural capital markets to benefit their communities.

As natural capital markets continue to grow, DTs find themselves at a crossroads, balancing opportunities for financial and ecological gain with the potential risks of corporate exploitation, inequity, and greenwashing.

The event brought together a panel of practitioners and academics: Professor Mark Reed (Huntly Development Trust and SRUC), Dr. Josh Doble (Community Land Scotland), Rowan Aitchison (Tayvallich Initiative), and Ewen Mclachlan (Assynt Development Trusts). The discussion highlighted both the transformative potential of natural capital projects and the challenges that communities must navigate to ensure that benefits are truly equitable and sustainable.

Several panellists shared practical case studies of community engagement with natural capital markets, specifically spotlighted was Assynt DT’s participation in the North-west 2045 Rural Land Use Partnership. The trust’s natural capital audit revealed that the carbon stored in their land was worth an estimated £17 billion in social value, providing a powerful tool for community empowerment. Their efforts to engage youth, collaborate with landowners, and build local capacity show how natural capital projects can provide real social and environmental benefits when communities maintain control.

Key Themes and Challenges

Uncertainty and Regulation

• One of the primary concerns raised was the infancy of natural capital markets. Panellists noted that these markets are still developing, with significant uncertainty on the long-term social and environmental impacts.
• Speculative carbon credit sales, referred to as pending issuances units, were specifically mentioned as particularly risky initiatives in such a new market.
• There is a pressing need for clear standards and regulations to ensure transparency and trustworthiness in these markets, with the British Standards Institution (BSI) aiming to provide accreditation from 2025.

Ethical Concerns and Greenwashing

• Panellists repeatedly emphasised the ethical dilemmas inherent in carbon credit trading. The risk of companies using carbon credits as a “license to pollute”, while failing to make meaningful reductions in their own emissions was mentioned several times.
• Panellists also questioned the theoretical underpinnings of such a market, positing the question of if capitalist mechanisms can effectively address environmental problems created by capitalism.

Community Control and Land Ownership

• Legislative levers that guarantee community decision-making and ownership were called for, ensuring that communities can retain control over projects.
• Having final control regarding the sale of carbon credits, to avoid selling to companies with questionable social and environmental practices was specifically mentioned.
• Natural capital markets have already begun to affect land prices, with “Green Lairds” driving up costs and complicating community land ownership.
• Panellists emphasised that for natural capital to benefit communities equitably, it must be rooted in land reform and community ownership of land.
• While landowning communities are currently better positioned to take advantage of these markets, non-landowning communities can still benefit through the development of community benefit frameworks.

What Needs to Happen Next?

The panellists left no doubt that, while the potential benefits of natural capital markets are significant, much work remains to ensure these benefits are shared equitably.

• Strengthen Regulations and Standards: Governments must establish regulations that prevent greenwashing and ensure community control over natural capital resources. These regulations should also clarify environmental and social outcomes, allowing communities to assess the true long-term impact of projects.
• Build Community Capacity: Communities need knowledge and resources to engage with natural capital markets meaningfully. This includes training, access to expert advice, and the development of internal governance structures that can handle the complexity of these projects.
• Foster Collaboration: Successful natural capital projects will require partnerships between DTs, landowners, environmental NGOs, and access to patient capital (i.e. philanthropists and pension funds).
• Ensure Community Control: Legislation that protects community rights over who can purchase carbon credits is essential. Communities must have a say in how their resources are used and who benefits from them, ensuring that local social and environmental rights are respected.

Conclusion: Towards a Just and Sustainable Future

The DTAS Debates on natural capital revealed both the promise and the peril of this emerging market. While the potential for regenerating communities on a wider scale as exemplified by Assynt’s case is considerable, so too are the risks. By advocating for stronger regulations, building internal capacity in DTs, and ensuring that communities retain control over their natural resources, we can navigate these challenges.

The message is clear: natural capital markets must be approached with care, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to community-led solutions. As Ewen McLachlan aptly put it, “Nothing about us without us is for us.”

For DTs, the path forward lies in collaboration, control, and capacity-building—ensuring that communities, not external interests, remain at the heart of this new green economy.

My second conference and although last year’s conference was a huge success, this years for me exceeded that.

My tardiness in writing this stems from an inability to decide how to succinctly list the many interesting, uplifting and fascinating discussions, conversations and encounters I was party to over those two days in August at the DTAS Conference. The highs and lows narrated in member stories intent on rescuing iconic buildings, the sketches of long attritional campaigns which rebuilt community, attacked poverty and rescued environmental decline in the landscapes, villages, towns and cities the length and breadth of Scotland.

The DTAS conference is a crucible for Scottish communities wherever they are. Like a seed bank, a receptacle for ideas ready for germination in our neighbourhoods. The workshops, visits, meetings and discussions allowed the cross pollination of new ways of thinking and doing, leading to new varieties of approaches. It helped focus us on the macro and the micro, to create new synapses, steering us to new ways of thinking. A meeting of the kindred to enthuse and energise, a place where alliances are built, novel democracies envisioned, and new strategies contemplated.

Along with the many friendly, positive encounters with people from the length and breadth of Scotland, one I wanted to mention. On leaving at the end of the day on Wednesday my head buzzing with ideas, I met with Alice Duthuille, Strengthening Communities Programme Development Officer of my patch in West of Scotland. Alice and Craig Allan have been at our side leading our work in Lochwinnoch. On our parting I realised that what the conference gave me was a recognition of the esprit de corps that DTAS inspire and that we go back to fight for our families and neighbours in our communities refreshed and invigorated and thankful that DTAS continues in its support for us sound and strong.

The Development Trusts Association Scotland’s conference gathered hundreds of representatives from community anchor organizations, local and national government, and other community sector stakeholders to address key issues impacting the development trust movement. On the first day, a widely attended debate on Local Democracy in Scotland featured Tom Sneddon (Carluke Development Trust), Lesley Riddoch (Journalist), Alastair McIntosh (Author), and Ivan McKee (MSP), who all demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing local democracy through thoughtful devolution, strategic resource allocation, and active community involvement.

Below is a summary of each panellists main points and an overview of the core themes discussed:

Tom Sneddon:

• Emphasized the importance of local democracy that reflects community diversity through deliberative and participative methods.
• Stressed the need for innovative models of local investment and the importance of the Scottish Government seriously resourcing and investing in local powers and Community Anchor Organizations.
• Suggested combining community councils and Development Trusts into a new body called “Development Councils,” which would require statutory powers and per capita funding.
• Highlighted that the National Planning Framework offers opportunities but lacks resources, placing pressure on community organizations and local councils.
• Called for local communities to develop their own financial architecture and solutions.

Lesley Riddoch:

• Questioned what an empowered community looks like and the effectiveness of current structures like community councils.
• Criticized Scotland’s large units of local democracy and called for a more decentralized and practical structure with adequate resources and a clear mandate.
• Advocated for citizens’ assemblies to gather local evidence and guide decision-making processes.
• Brought up the point that we must focus on communities that are being left behind, those without resources.
• Argued for fairer taxation and funding models, drawing on examples from Sweden and Norway, where local engagement and multiple roles within communities lead to better outcomes.
• Highlighted the importance of building trust within communities and enabling structures that support it.
• Highlighted the build local campaign launch.

Ivan McKee:

• Discussed the necessity of balancing regional efficiency with local empowerment, focusing on the role of government support and how far powers should be devolved.
• Recognized the need for a toolkit approach to account for varying community capacities, emphasizing that some communities can move faster than others.
• Acknowledged the Scottish Government’s commitment to moving quickly on local government reform but cautioned that structural changes take longer and cost more than expected.
• Highlighted the need to empower existing community councils, which are often hyper-local but under-resourced.
• Addressed the challenges of implementing decisions made through citizens’ assemblies and the importance of carefully navigating relationships with local authorities.

Alastair McIntosh:

• Stressed that local government reform must be meaningful at the individual level, particularly in small communities.
• Highlighted the Isle of Eigg as an example of successful local governance and individual responsibility.
• Emphasized the importance of community organizers in driving local government reform and the need for communities to support their representatives.
• Discussed the importance of building trust within communities and recognizing the challenges of conflict and burnout among community organizers.
• Advocated for political will, technical and financial support, and community desire to drive successful local governance reforms.

Core themes:

• Devolution of Powers: There was a consensus on the need to devolve powers further down to local levels, ensuring that these powers reflect the diversity and specific needs of communities. This includes considering vertical devolvement (from central to local governments) and horizontal alignment among local entities like the NHS and local authorities.
• Resource Allocation and Investment: Emphasis on the need for serious resourcing and investment in local powers and Community Anchor Organisations. For example, by implementing fairer taxation systems.
• Local Government Reform: There was a call for meaningful local government reform, focusing on individual and community levels. This reform should empower smaller, remote communities and consider models beyond traditional community councils.
• Citizens’ Assemblies: Several speakers and audience members supported the idea of using citizens’ assemblies to gather community input and make decisions. These assemblies could ensure that local voices shape governance structures and policies.
• Building Trust: Trust was highlighted as a critical component in local governance. This includes building trust between communities and elected officials, as well as within communities themselves.
• Youth Involvement: There was a recognition of the need to involve young people in local governance, as seen in examples from Norway, where young councillors are common.
• Addressing Bureaucracy and Accountability: Focus on the need to address the bureaucratic barriers within local authorities and public agencies that hinder local accountability and effective governance.

Following the panel debate participants had the chance to discuss these themes more in depth in a participatory workshop. The round-table workshop re-emphasised the importance of themes such as community engagement, models of community ownership, cooperation with existing public bodies, with specific examples given by development trust officers, volunteers and board members.

Overall, both sessions highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform in local governance, and the ability of Development Trusts to take on responsibilities if properly resourced. With significant political will Democracy Matters 2 can contribute to a pathway toward a more empowered, community-driven model of democracy in Scotland.

At the start of June last month, the Research and Insights Team joined our Development Officer for Argyll and Bute, Laura, on a visit to Tiree Community Development Trust. Also known as Urras Thiriodh in Gaelic, Tiree Community Development Trust plays a vital role for its island community, catering its services towards the island’s tailored priorities.

As the team arrived from the mainland, the Trust’s wind turbine, Tilley, was visible from the ferry, working hard on a windy Hebridean day. Renewable energy has been TCDT’s key source of income since 2010 and has made an immense difference to the scale and scope of what the organisation have been able to achieve.

From the revenue made from Tilley, TCDT has had the resources to be ambitious in their projects and the services they provide. Redeveloping the main harbours in Milton and Scarinish have been some of the biggest successes of the Trust to date. Whilst both harbours cost a pound each to buy, the Trust received capital funding from the National Lottery, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government to complete these projects. The fishing industry on Tiree is one of the most sustainable sources of income for residents and with the renovations complete, the island now has a stable fleet of seven fishing boats in use. Other key projects have included the Cruas Project, a cost-of-living support service for islanders, the purchase of an electric minivan and the construction of a fuel station to name a few.

The team were treated to a tour of the North side of island by Hayley, the island ranger employed by the Trust. Along the way to the ancient ruin of Vaul Broch, the ranger detailed some of their main responsibilities: with large number of visitors coming to the island, Hayley provides information to visitors, offers guided walks and tours and caters activities for visitors with access needs. With oystercatchers, lapwings and starlings flying overhead, Hayley stressed the importance of raising awareness of Tiree’s machair, the fertile but sensitive grass plains which cover the island. She often gives advice to campervans and motorhomes about suitable campsites which will help conserve the island’s environment.

Looking forward, Urras Thiriodh are soon to open business units, partly funded by HIE, which will give in new services for the island community which can only be accessed on the mainland, bringing in new commerce to the island.

The Trust is also looking into solutions to the community’s pressing issues. After consultation with residents, the Development Trust identified the urgent need to improve the island’s housing crisis with a staggering 46% of houses on Tiree not being regularly used. Whilst opportunity does exist on the island, the lack of a variety of accommodation sizes means those wishing to move to the island and rent or buy are faced with a lack of affordable options. Urras Thiriodh are looking into different solutions into this key priority for the community as part of their Community Development Plan.

The visit to Tiree Community Development Trust was an inspiring account of island life and the joys and challenges that come with working for in the interest of the community.

I joined DTAS in March in the role of Events and Facilities Coordinator. As part of my role, I will be working within DTAS’ Central Support Services to provide broad-ranging cross-team support, with a specific focus on helping the Development Officers to deliver a programme of regional events across Scotland and provide much needed support in the production of the ever-growing DTAS conference.

With family based across Scotland and many happy summers spent in the Highlands, I decided to move to Scotland in January. I was thrilled to get a job working for an organisation that has the empowerment and sustainable development of Scottish communities at its heart. So, when I was given the opportunity to go to the South Lanarkshire regional gathering in April and visit my first Development Trust, I was intrigued to see how all the elements of community-driven development played out on the ground.

The South Lanarkshire regional gathering was hosted by Woolfords, Auchengray & Tarbrax Improvement Foundation (WAT IF) at Loanhead Farm, recently purchased by the organisation following an award from the Scottish Land Fund. We were joined by five other Development Trusts and aspiring Development Trusts from the area and spent the beautiful spring morning learning and exploring the endless community projects WATIF have planned for the site, many of which were up and running already only six weeks after the official opening of the farm.

When looking round the farm, I was struck by the endless opportunities for different community projects when given the right facilities. Loanhead farm is adorned with many outdoor and indoor spaces, and the mind wanders with possibilities – a café, workshop spaces, shared tool sheds, meeting spaces, wedding venue, community cinema room, camping, allotments and even housing – many of which WAT IF were exploring already.

With the café filled to the brim with members of the community enjoying their Saturday lunch with friends and family, and the staff bumbling about with huge smiles on their faces discussing opening the ‘overflow lunch space’ to fit more people in, you look on in awe of what the community has been able to achieve. And even the small things hadn’t gone amiss. With non-binary toilets, all with a variety of sanitary products available – something that is still few and far between in many public spaces – I was struck by how simple, joined-up community-minded thinking had created such a successful and inclusive all-purpose community space.

After piling our plates high with delicious food cooked by the community café and enjoying a lunch in the sun, the afternoon was filled with hearty discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by Development Trusts in South Lanarkshire. It was clear how much drive, energy and ambition was shared among attendees – at times it even felt like a revolution was starting in the barn.

The day provided a great insight into the world of Development Trusts and the ups and downs that come with it. It was inspiring to learn from the innovative strategies in place at Loanhead farm and to meet other members doing equally as great work for their communities. Thanks to everyone at WAT IF for helping facilitate such a great regional gathering.

Over the next 12 months at DTAS, we’re taking a deep dive into a number of different topics that are important to our staff. As part of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work and following our most recent staff survey, one of our actions was to focus on raising awareness and sharing experiences of health-related topics.

First up in the series is Menstrual Health. Today, 28th May, is World Menstrual Hygiene Day!

Some of our staff have taken part in a social media campaign that focuses on sharing something about menstrual health they wish they knew as a teenager that may have helped them navigate it in later life.

This exercise has meant that we’ve been able to open up an honest conversation about menstrual health, which is often deemed a ‘taboo subject’ in the workplace. These conversations allow for a breadth of experience from those going through the menopause to those suffering with painful periods. All of these experiences can affect an individual’s life in one way or another, ultimately impacting the way they show up at work. By facilitating honest and open conversations and addressing the ‘taboo nature’ of the topic, staff can feel safe, supported and understood.

Our main goal for focusing on menstrual health is to implement a policy that acknowledges the challenges individuals can face and provide a positive working environment that supports them through it. Additionally, we’re holding a lunch and learn where individuals can continue to share their experiences and support each other in a safe environment.