The National Trust for Scotland, the conservation charity which cares for and shares Scotland’s heritage, has been responsible for the management of the residential homes, an office and two commercial units in Dunkeld since the 1950s. The charity stepped in to save the 17th and 18th century buildings, which were at risk of demolition, taking ownership, restoring the buildings and then letting them to tenants, preserving the unique historic character of Dunkeld town centre which is widely regarded as one of the most attractive in Scotland.     

The charity and Perth and Kinross Council have confirmed that they are now in talks about the properties transferring into the ownership of the council’s Housing Revenue Account.

Around 25 tenants will be affected by the change, which will see them become tenants of the council with a range of associated benefits. The charity and council said they are committed to making it as smooth as possible for residents.

Stuart Maxwell, regional director for Edinburgh & East, said: “We have been reviewing our management approach to these properties and are now proposing to work in closer partnership with Perth and Kinross Council. We feel this in the interests of the continued long-term conservation of the buildings and their use as accommodation for local people, which we know is an important issue in this area.

“Following consultation with our Board of Trustees, Perth and Kinross Council, and the Scottish Government, we have reached an agreement in principle for the local authority to take on ownership of these properties and most of our other buildings in Dunkeld, which, we feel will ensure the conservation of both the individual properties, the historic township and bring benefits for residents too.

“Our priority for the next few weeks is to talk to our tenants and ensure that any transition would happen as smoothly as possible.”

Housing and Social Wellbeing convener, Councillor Tom McEwan said: “Perth and Kinross Council’s Housing Service is recognised as one of the best in Scotland, and this transfer will bring many benefits for the tenants who live in these properties.

“We anticipate being able to offer tenants significantly lower levels of rent, as well as a secure tenancy that they can enjoy for as long as they want to, access to our excellent Repairs Service and regular investment to improve their homes to the highest standard possible.

“The tenants in Dunkeld will have the support of our dedicated and highly qualified Housing staff to help them in their tenancy, as well as access to a wide range of other quality services that our current tenants enjoy.”

Council leader, Councillor Grant Laing, said: “The council will work closely with sitting tenants to answer any questions they might have as the transfer progresses and provide them with any support they need.  Measures will be implemented to ensure that when any vacancies arise in the properties in the future, they will be allocated to people with a local connection to the Dunkeld area. This is a positive for the community where local housing availability is a concern. I am delighted for the community of Dunkeld.” 

Local elected member for the Strathtay ward, Bailie Claire McLaren said: “This transfer will ensure that these homes are secured as valued affordable social housing in Dunkeld into the future. One of the key aims of the Housing Service is to provide high-quality additional homes for affordable rent for people right across Perth and Kinross.”

Mr Maxwell added: “The National Trust for Scotland has been proud to play a part in protecting Dunkeld for many decades. If this plan proceeds, we will still own land on the bank south of the River Tay, at Stanley Hill, so we will certainly still have an active role in ensuring that Dunkeld retains the nature, beauty and heritage that makes it so special.”

Negotiations will continue between the National Trust for Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council with a joint meeting being held locally with all tenants on Wednesday 25 September. Housing staff from the council will be in attendance along with representatives from the Trust to answer any questions.