Case Study: Rosemount Development Trust

A development trust operating in Royston, one of Scotland’s most deprived neighbourhoods, celebrates 30 years of working to address high levels of unemployment and poverty in the area.

Rosemount Development Trust was set up in 1989 following the closure of the local Rosemount Primary School. A local campaign, driven by residents, ensured that the school building continued to serve the needs of the community. The trust secured a long-term lease of the building, with additional funding to develop the asset into a business and childcare facility.

This initial venture proved a difficult operation to sustain as the majority of tenants were charitable organisations and very small independent enterprises. However, seeing the positive impact Trust did not give up. They retained the building and set up a subsidiary company to expand their asset portfolio to ensure the sustainability of the organisation.