A west Fife councillor believes a review concerning the state of the National Trust for Scotland could be “good news” for the historic village of Culross.
Bill Walker spoke about the document from a small team headed by George Reid, the former presiding officer for the Scottish Parliament, and feels its findings could relate to Culross, with some of its “dilapidated” buildings being sold.
Mr Walker said, “The report pulls no punches and states that the trust, a registered charity, is in a terrible financial position, has an antiquated management structure and doesn’t even have a proper list of all the properties it owns.”
He added, “Mr Reid has recommended, among other things, that some buildings a number of which are in a run-down state, including Balmerino Abbey here in Fife should be transferred to Historic Scotland where they would come under a better maintenance regime.
“But, more importantly for west Fife, some property could actually be sold off. The trust’s antiquated constitution does not presently allow this.”
Mr Walker said there are “at least” four empty residential properties in Culross, all requiring repair and updating before they can be lived in again.
He said, “Existing trust tenants are also not allowed to make their own repairs to rented properties.
“The dilapidated state of some trust properties is bringing down the appearance of the village and, of course, is most unpleasant for other residents to live alongside.”
He added, “I have met Kate Mavor, chief executive of the trust, and have also been in correspondence with her. She freely admits that it is purely money that prevents the trust from attending to property problems in Culross.
“In the light of Mr Reid’s report, I shall be making a number of positive suggestions for Culross in particular.”
Mr Walker’s suggestions are:People who wish to live in Culross could repair and upgrade a trust property if they were allowed to buy it, although, “Strict conditions would have to observed to maintain the historic character and ambience of this conservation village.” Others would be prepared to take on some property renovation in return for a long-term lease on the residence. The trust could work with Fife Council, who would want to see these ‘voids’ taken up, thus releasing property elsewhere.Mr Walker said, “The problems in Culross are long-standing but they could be put right quite quickly, if the apparent good reception that Mr Reid’s review can result in remedial action.
“There is little reason for delay and, certainly in Culross, steps can be taken to sorts out the clear maintenance of some existing tenants and also bring some near-derelict properties back into living use.”