Support and guidance

To help applicants along the asset transfer journey, there is a wide range of support and guidance available including:

Guidance documents

Council's Policy for the Acquisition and Disposal of Land and Buildings approved at South Ayrshire Council on 29th June 2022 (PDF) [214KB]  

For further information, guidance and example models on Community Asset Transfer visit the Scot Gov website.

Support and funding organisations

• The Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) has been funded by the Scottish Government to support community based groups in Scotland take a stake in or ownership of previously publicly owned land or buildings and is an invaluable source of information.
• Community Channel Scotland introduces you to resources that can help you to build your capacity as group members and as an organisation.
• Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has advice on its website for groups setting up a formal organisation, including advice on charitable status.
• Community Land Scotland supports the growth of community land ownership in Scotland.
• Scottish Land Fund funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the Big Lottery Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, it offers grants of up to £1 million to help communities take ownership of the land and buildings that matter to them, as well as practical support to develop their aspirations into viable projects.
• Communities considering acquiring historic buildings or assets should contact the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
• Funding Scotland provides access to up to date, high quality information on funding opportunities to third sector organisations in Scotland and provides a search of over 1,300 funding opportunities.