Former bank could be used for food project

ROSYTH: Group wants to take over premises to create community space for healthy meals and social events

An old bank in Rosyth could be used to generate interest in growing food and healthy eating.

The group behind EATS Rosyth wants to take over the former Clydesdale Bank building on Queensferry Road, which closed two years ago, as a sustainable social enterprise.

New life would be breathed into the old bank as a hub for the project, which runs Rosyth’s community garden and centenary orchard and aims to transform green spaces into growing places.

Rosyth Community Projects, which runs EATS Rosyth, hopes the community will lend its support, allowing it to take ownership of the premises.

It is working with Fife Council and architects on an independent feasibility study, funded by the Scottish Land Fund.

Chairman Stephen Lynas said: “Poor eating habits and social isolation are major contributors to poor health in Scotland.

“We tackle both by growing fresh produce and sharing it with the community in Rosyth and providing a friendly, supportive drop-in space from our small hub.

“We’re delighted to have support from the Scottish Land Fund to investigate taking on the former Clydesdale Bank as a community asset.

“A bigger community space in a more prominent location means we can do more to address the needs of people in Rosyth, and help the town to be a happier, healthier place.

“We would love to hear from Rosyth residents and local organisations about what matters to them, and how the building could best address local needs and improve lives.”

The group has outgrown its current base in Aberlour Street.

Early ideas for the bank focus on providing a space for events, healthy meals, socialising and distributing surplus food.

In the long term it is intended to manage the building as a sustainable social enterprise project, with surplus income reinvested into community projects.

Funding is available to cover the purchase and immediate refurbishment of the bank if needed, according to the group.

However, the community asset transfer needs the support of the community to go ahead.

Project members attended Rosyth community market on Sunday and an open meeting will be held at Rosyth Parish Church tomorrow at 7pm, where people can find out more and give their views.

A survey is also being conducted online, with paper copies available at the hub at 8 Aberlour Street.

“A bigger community space in a more prominent location means we can do more to address the needs of people in Rosyth, and help the town to be a happier, healthier place. STEPHEN LYNAS OF ROSYTH COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Picture: Wullie Marr. Linda Temple, Carolann Philp, Carol Buchanan, Tam Livingstone and Lorraine Mayne, of EATS Rosyth, outside the former Clydesdale Bank building in the town.