The story so far…

In the Spring of 2024 East Lothian Council made the decision to close the Abbey Care Home. Residents were re-located in August. An informal group was set up by local volunteers to explore options around whether the community could secure the rights to own or manage the property. Discussions over several months with various community groups led to a refresh of the North Berwick Community Development Company (NBCDC) and its decision to lead on taking forward a proposal.

In September ELC announced their intention to sell the whole site. The sales particulars are available at  https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/directory_record/258327/for_sale_-_former_abbey_nursing_home_north_berwick_eh39_4bp

A sub-group of NBCDC was formed called ‘Abbey Friends’. This now leads on engagement with the community, funding options and development of a community asset transfer application including business plan. Abbey Friends has met with the Community Ownership Support Service, part of the Developments Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS), to understand the process involved in community asset transfer and securing funds for asset acquisition. This process is well-trodden in many parts of Scotland but requires a significant amount of time. Successful community asset transfers need the full cooperation of the Local Authority to enable the process to play out. Unfortunately the quick sale of this property has given the community insufficient time to undertake wide-ranging consultation, compile detailed proposals and secure funding.

At the beginning of October 2024 ELC set a closing date for the sale of The Abbey for 23rd October 2024
( https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/24627030.closing-date-set-offers-north-berwicks-abbey/). 

The community-led business plan and right-to-buy application is now in draft form thanks to many hours of work by local volunteers. However Abbey Friends have not had time for extensive public consultation and securing funding. They plan to submit the plans to the council prior to the deadline date.

Abbey For Sale Sign