Demo Projects and Case Studies

The Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities Project (SBCRC) used action research to improve understanding and approaches to building climate resilience in Scotland. 

There is a list of case studies of successful re-use and repair centres in Scottish towns in this Zero Waste Scotland newsletter. Read more here. 

Sustrans Scotland‘s Community Links grant programme provides grant funding to local authorities, statutory bodies and educational institutions for the creation of cycle network infrastructure for everyday journeys.

The Carnegie UK Trust has published a report with insights from the organisation’s TestTown project, undertaken over the last 4 years. The report shares details on what has been done; what has been achieved; tips and templates to replicate or repurpose their ideas; and advice from those who have been involved. The report can be downloaded on the Test Town web page.

Below, CUKT outlines how the report and online portal on Test Towns can benefit those working to improve towns across the country.

At the heart of the Village SOS campaign are the communities and projects across the UK who are sharing their stories so that others can learn from their experiences. The links below provide examples of community action projects and initiatives that could help to inspire your project. Access Village SOS Success Stories here. 

Throughout the Village SOS campaign, you can be part of the conversation, join in debates and interact with others who are working on similar projects to you via the Big Lottery Fund online Community. Sign up for FREE by clicking on the link and join in now. 

Renfrewshire Council has unveiled the Paisley Town Centre - 10 Year Action Plan. This identifies four activity areas which will help to reinvigorate Paisley and create a Town Centre which works better for all of Renfrewshire.

50 - 52 Main Street / 2 Cross Street - Saved from demolition by Cambeltown THI

Key outcomes include three commercial units and four quality one-bedroom flats, removal of urban dereliction, repair and reinstatement of a store and cellar enabling reuse of space, accessibility improvements and boosting the local economy.

The importance of Kilmarnock town centre to the economic well-being of East Ayrshire cannot be underestimated, the centre comprising, as it does, the prime commercial, cultural, entertainment and retail heart of the area.

The creation of an effective and practical Strategy for Kilmarnock Town Centre to identify priorities for co-ordinated action and to safeguard and improve all of the various functions that the town centre provides is considered highly appropriate at this time.

Written by Gillian Daly, Scottish Library and Information Council

Scotland’s public library network of over 500 branches spans the length and breadth of the country, offering opportunities for all in the heart of our communities. Far from the dusty perception of libraries that still lingers in the popular imagination, today’s libraries are vibrant community hubs which have evolved in response to changing user needs.

This report by BEFS Chairman, Professor Emeritus Cliff Hague, is based on a visit to Stornoway in April 2013 as part of BEFS’ Small Towns Initiative.