Fife community purchases village hall from Fife Council

Crail Community Partnership has brought Crail Community Hall into community ownership through an asset transfer from Fife Council, with help from the Scottish Government’s Land Fund.

The Partnership was formed in 2018 to develop an extensive public consultation process to allow the broader Crail community to express its hopes and aspirations for the future, through the Crail Charrette.

A central outcome of the charrette was a desire for the community to take ownership of several assets currently under the control of Fife Council. Most prominent of these assets was the Community Hall.

The process of an asset transfer was begun in 2019, and with financial help from the Scottish Government’s Land Fund, was concluded on Friday.

The hall will be used to support the local community by providing a suitable and welcoming venue for the many community groups in Crail, and to expand the array of activities available to Crail’s residents.

The Robertson Trust, Fife Environment Trust, Co-op Community Fund and the Crail Common Good Fund have contributed to refurbish the kitchen and extend the array of services available in the hall.

In the short term, a focus for the community development of the hall will be enhanced provision for young people, through sports and musical activities, and the development of services for Crail’s vulnerable population, especially the elderly.

The hall has in the past proved to be a popular venue for weddings and entertainments events, and this will continue.

David Jerdan, chair of Crail Community Partnership, said: “We are delighted that the Partnership has been able to acquire the hall for the citizens of Crail. We look forward to extending access to all parts of the community, and we are proceeding with plans to renovate the kitchen and enhance the facilities that will be available.”

Councillor Linda Holt added: “Congratulations and very well done to Dennis and everyone in the community and funders who worked to make this transfer possible. Fife Council north east Fife community manager Janice Laird also deserves mention for all the support and practical help she gave Crail residents in their community asset transfers.”