The village of Ardler was suffering from multiple disadvantage that was exacerbated by the out movement of large employers. The area was characterised by high unemployment and poor transport connectivity.

As a direct response to the out movement of large employers from Ardler a Village Trust was established as an independent charity. The underlying principle of the Trust was to involve all aspects of the community in the physical, economic and social regeneration of Ardler.

Activity has been split into 3 areas:

The Trust was established as a partnership between local residents, local churches, the Ardler Complex, Dundee City Council and Sanctuary Housing.

Activity was split into 3 areas:

The active promotion of community involvement in local decision-making has also led to an effective way of engaging with Council Departments.

The trust has completed a training or “job aspiration” survey to establish a baseline for employers coming into the local area. It has also improved the transport links into the city and local enterprise parks.

The regeneration of the local shops and businesses has led to changes in shopping habits with more people buying locally, helping to sustain local businesses and enterprises.

The whole community in Ardler.

After the Village Trust was established as a charity and company in 2003 – partners have actively given of their time and resources to fund activity.

For instance, Sanctuary Housing has contributed staff costs (£25K per year) and have committed to 7 years of funding to ensure that Ardler will become a self-sustainable community.

While the European Regional Development Fund have awarded the trust £15,000 and Communities Scotland Wider Action fund £30,000 for a period of 3 years.

Ardler Village Trust
Alistair Macleod (Ardler Village Trust Manager)

//2005

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Community development