The Castle Douglas Common Good Fund Sub Committee met on Wednesday 17 September 2025 to discuss the disposal of a property on St Andrew Street, and to review the fund's financial position. The meeting also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings and a review of the fund's financial outturn and plan.

St Andrew Street Disposal

The sub committee was scheduled to discuss the disposal of the property at 5 St Andrew Street, Castle Douglas. The property, which extends to 134 square metres, had been declared surplus to council requirements.

The report pack noted that the council had a duty to consult with the local community to assess local interest in the property, as per the Disposal and Acquisitions Policy. The following groups were contacted for their views:

• Castle Douglas Community Centre Development Trust
• Castle Douglas Development Forum
• Castle Douglas Stepping Stones Project
• Better Lives Partnership
• Castle Douglas IT Centre
• Castle Douglas Rotary Club
• Loch Ken Trust

The Castle Douglas Development Forum (CDDF) responded, advising that they would like to lease the property for the Stepping Stones Community Larder, which is part of the CDDF. They stated that the larder had outgrown its current premises at 9 St Andrew Street, Castle Douglas.

Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, the council carried out an 8-week consultation to assess the opinion of the local people. Sixteen representations were received, with all stating that 5 St Andrew Street should be rented out to a local charitable organisation.

The report pack noted that a title check in May 2024 determined that the property was part of the Common Good property portfolio and inalienable¹. As such, any future disposal by way of sale or lease would require Sheriff's Consent.

The definition of inalienable is 'not able to transfer or take away'.

The sub committee was asked to:

1. Note that the property is surplus to council requirements.
2. Note that the Community Council and Groups have been consulted.
3. Identify any other local groups to be engaged with.
4. Note the outcome of the Section 104 Common Good Consultation.
5. Ask officers to make an application to the Sheriff for alienation of the property either by sale or lease.
6. Agree that officers bring back proposals for disposal of 5 St Andrew Street once Sheriff Consent has been granted.

Financial Outturn 2024/25 and Financial Plan 2025/26

The sub committee was scheduled to review the Castle Douglas Common Good Fund's financial performance in 2024/25 and consider the financial plan for 2025/26.

As of 31 March 2025, the fund held a cash balance of £277,432.54. Income for the year totalled £13,568.30, which was loan fund interest. Grants totalling £6,250 were awarded to:

• Castle Douglas Community Council (£2,000)
• Castle Douglas defibrillator maintenance (£250)
• Castle Douglas Rotary Forward Christmas lights (£4,000)

The sum of £48,022.32 was paid out for works to remedy dry rot to the Clocktower, the Clocktower flat, neighbouring property and the shops below. This sum was repaid through a Dumfries and Galloway Council capital grant equalling the same amount.

Rental income of £1,066.68 was received for 212 King Street. Estimated rental income for 2025/26 was £5333.40 for 212 King St and £3052.00 for 32 St Andrew St. Electricity costs and cleaning for 32 St. Andrew Street cost £2,260.91 for the period before the new tenant entered.

The financial objective of the fund was to maintain its financial health and maximise the level of free income available for distribution.

The financial plan for 2025/26 indicated that no funds had been allocated for grant disbursement through the Castle Douglas Common Good Grants scheme 2025/26. The forecast considered the rate of interest from the Loans Fund, rental income, and planned expenditure on assets. The estimated free income of £17,959.40 for the year was calculated as: loan fund interest (£11,746) plus expected rent (£8,385) minus council fees (£1,322) and expected property costs (£750) and posters (£100).

The sub committee was asked to:

1. Note that the Fund holds a cash balance of £277,432.54 as of 31 March 2025.
2. Agree the Financial Plan for 2025/26.
3. Agree the financial objective of the Financial Plan.