Summary

Spark, a long-standing charity based in Craigshill, Livingston, sought to secure ownership of the former Almondbank Library through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) from West Lothian Council. In 2024, Ailsa was brought in to lead strategic planning, business case development and eventually formal representation at the Council’s Asset Transfer Committee.

Spark’s goal was to continue and expand its community services from a place it had already been successfully operating for years. The Council issued a draft decision proposing a 50% discount on the market value less the meter decoupling costs, with conditions including a standard security tied to delivery of £60,000 in community benefit over three years and Spark assuming full responsibility for utility decoupling.

Ailsa collaborated with Spark’s team and the Scottish Land Fund to prepare a compelling response and represent Spark at the high-stakes committee meeting.

DIFFERENCE MADE

At the committee meeting, Ailsa presented a strong case for removing the proposed conditions by highlighting that Spark already delivers over £540,000 in annual community benefit. She also emphasised Spark’s strong alignment with local authority priorities and its track record as a trusted community organisation.

The Committee unanimously approved a nil-value asset transfer, removing the £60,000 capital receipt. This meant Spark did not need to apply to the highly competitive Scottish Land Fund for the purchase price, freeing them up to seek support for essential costs such as energy decoupling and a business development officer instead. This decision significantly strengthened Spark’s funding strategy and long-term sustainability. It secured a vital community space for lasting impact and reinforced the potential of collaborative working between councils and communities.