THE work being done to develop Lochgelly as an ideal place to work, live in and visit will be used as an example of best practice in place-based community development at the upcoming Strengthening Communities Conference, being held at Aviemore Highland Resort on Thursday and Friday of this week.

The event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Community Land Unit being established by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The Unit – now called the Community Assets team - helps communities across the region to buy land and buildings that are important to them. Asset ownership allows communities to shape their own future and become stronger and more resilient.

Speakers will include Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity; Frank Rennie, Professor of Sustainable Rural Development at the University of the Highlands and Islands and Cormac Russell, Managing Director of Nurture Development.

The conference will be chaired by Alex Thomson, Chief Correspondent at Channel 4 News, and also providing insight will be Josh Littlejohn, founder of Social Bite, who will explain how his work with homeless people through social enterprises is transforming lives and communities.

Having been named ‘the worst place to live in the UK’ by The Observer in 2004, Lochgelly has undergone a rapid transformation thanks to its strong sense of community and drive to make a positive change.

The project has seen a successful community-led approach to regeneration, leading to a boost in the local economy by providing new opportunities for retail, business and training. In 2016, Lochgelly was named ‘Scotland’s Most Improved Town’.

Ailsa Raeburn, Head of Community Assets at HIE, said: “Lochgelly is a great example of a community recognising what its town needs and who it needs to help deliver real change.

"The community has worked with lots of partners to help them change the town. Winning the Most Improved Town Award is a real testament to the hard work of all the people involved."

She added: “We’re looking forward to showcasing it and other exciting projects at the upcoming national Strengthening Communities Conference and exploring how we can replicate its success in other communities across Scotland.

"The past 20 years has seen HIE work with communities across the whole of our region to help and encourage them in their asset ownership aspirations. Local knowledge and support is essential to the success of these relationships.

"We see there is so much more potential for other communities in Scotland to shape their own future through community ownership.”