A record 320 communities across Scotland have moved to lease or purchase local buildings in the past 12 months, according to new research from Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS). This figure represents a 300% increase since 2024, as local groups increasingly intervene to prevent the loss of neighbourhood assets.

The portfolio of community-owned property now includes a diverse array of structures, such as post offices, police stations, primary schools, community centres, and libraries. This trend is most notable in Fife, Glasgow, the Highlands, and Dumfries and Galloway. A primary driver of this growth is the transfer of former religious sites, with 63 churches currently being sought for community ownership.

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In Shetland, grassroots efforts including bake sales and raffles have successfully funded the purchase of six churches for sums ranging between £10,000 and £68,000. Currently, approximately one-third of the church buildings in Shetland are under community control, operating as social enterprises and arts venues.

However, DTAS warns that significant obstacles remain for these groups, including competition from commercial developers, funding deficits, and complicated legal procedures.

Linda Gillespie, Head of Community Ownership at DTAS, said: "We're seeing a marked increase in communities stepping forward to take control of local buildings, especially former places of worship. These buildings have long been at the heart of local life and, without action, risk sitting empty or being lost altogether.

"Community ownership is helping to protect essential services, create jobs and breathe new life into towns and villages. But the process is still too complex and competitive for many groups. Without the right support, there is a real danger that communities will lose out to private developers or see valued local assets disappear."

To assist groups navigating these challenges, DTAS has launched a new Churches Crowdfunder Guide. The resource, available on the DTAS website, provides practical advice and case studies on managing successful crowdfunding campaigns to secure local buildings.