Charity announced its intention to sell land for potential housing development in West Lothian
Sight Scotland Veterans has announced its intention to sell land for a potential housing development close to its Linburn Veterans Centre near Kirkliston in West Lothian.
The Linburn Veterans Centre and Centenary Hall will not be affected, and support services to veterans with sight loss will continue to be offered.
The proposed sale will help safeguard the charity's long-term future, enabling it to continue supporting visually impaired veterans across Scotland for many years to come.
Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Sight Scotland Veterans is committed to supporting veterans living with sight loss throughout Scotland.
'Our services are designed to help individuals regain and maintain their independence, enhance their wellbeing, and improve their overall quality of life.
'As part of our new organisational strategy, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the charity.
'This includes carefully reviewing our resources and making difficult decisions where necessary to preserve the essential services we provide.
'Sight Scotland Veterans does incredible work across the country, and the proceeds from this sale will be strategically reinvested to deliver long-term financial returns.
'This will enable us to continue providing life-changing support at our Linburn Centre, as well as preserving and strengthening the essential services we provide across the country.'
Much of the land has already been identified for development within West Lothian Council's Local Development Plan, and the charity has proposed other land it owns as part of the wider Linburn estate to also be designated for development.
The funds generated through the sale will help sustain a wide range of the charity's vital services for veterans with sight loss.
Unfortunately, the sale would mean that a small number of existing properties on the site would need to be demolished. Due to the age and condition of these properties some of them are currently lying vacant.
The rest are occupied by a mixture of tenants, some of whom are visually impaired veterans and others who are private tenants.
In recent years Sight Scotland Veterans has relied on income from investments, reserves, and some voluntary donations. However, financial projections indicate that, without action, its reserves will be depleted by the 2030/31 financial year.
In response, it is now focused on securing long-term financial sustainability through cost reductions, new fundraising activities, and more effective use of existing assets.
Sight Scotland Veterans says it 'fully recognises the impact this decision may have on the small number of existing tenants on the site'.
As such, the charity is extending the standard one-month notice period to one year, offering affected tenants additional time and support to find alternative accommodation.
Tenants were notified last week of the charity's intention to sell the land, meaning they may need to vacate their properties in 12 months' time.
Sight Scotland Veterans will be working closely with tenants, providing personalised support to minimise the impact of this change. The planned development could also impact the military museum, and the walled garden project located on the site.
Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans, and discussions have already begun with those affected to help them find more suitable housing and provide personalised support through our Financial Wellbeing service.'
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