Action Porty has taken ownership of the former Portobello Old Parish Church with a view to transforming it into a multi-use community hub.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives communities the right to buy land and assets under certain conditions. While the powers have been used widely across rural Scotland, this is the first time permission has been granted to a group within a city to proceed with a purchase.

Land reform secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Congratulations to Action Porty who have become the first organisation to use the community right to buy powers in an urban area.

“Our ambitious and progressive land reform policies have already delivered huge benefits to rural communities across Scotland.

“It’s great to see community right to buy now being used to unlock the potential of land in urban communities. I know other community groups will be inspired by Action Porty’s success.

“I wish them the best for the future, and look forward to seeing the group’s plans to construct a community hub progress.”