Sustaining Dunbar has approached NHS Lothian about the possibility of Belhaven Community Garden coming into community ownership.
Lodging of a community asset transfer (CAT) comes nearly two years after Belhaven Community Hospital closed its doors.
The move would allow Belhaven Community Garden to take responsibility for the management and development of the neighbouring garden site, ensuring it remains accessible and beneficial for the whole community for years to come.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Belhaven Community Garden is already making a positive difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
“Community ownership would give us the security and flexibility to protect this space and develop it in ways that best meet local needs, while continuing to align with NHS values around prevention and wellbeing.”
The land was gifted to the community more than 120 years ago by the 7th Baronet of Lochend, with the intention that the part not used for a hospital should be “used for agricultural purposes and pleasure grounds in connection with the said hospital”.
The decision to permanently close six inpatient beds at the hospital, along with the associated Blossom House care home, was taken by East Lothian Integration Joint Board in April 2024.
At the time, health chiefs said that they were facing “extremely difficult decisions” as they attempted “to address financial pressures in excess of £10 million”.
Since 2012, Belhaven Community Garden has been maintained and tended by volunteers.
The garden has become a valued local asset, providing opportunities for outdoor activity, social connection, food growing, learning, and improved mental wellbeing.
Last year, more than 1,500 people registered their support for taking the garden into community ownership, while volunteers contribute thousands of hours every year to run it.
Over the years, the garden has been developed with an orchard with more than 140 fruit trees, a polytunnel, raised beds, individual vegetable plots, beehives, a wildflower meadow and an abundance of wildlife.
The group emphasised that the CAT request was intended as a collaborative and constructive proposal, recognising NHS Lothian’s role as a steward of public assets and seeking a positive partnership approach.
The group spokesperson said: “Belhaven Community Garden would like to thank local residents, volunteers and partners who have supported the preparation of the application and contributed to shaping a shared vision for the site.”
Now, the application has been lodged with NHS Lothian and people can make comment regarding the scheme by emailing loth.comempreq@nhs.scot
A deadline of March 2 has been set.
Craig Marriott, finance director at NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian has received and acknowledged the Community Asset Transfer request from Sustaining Dunbar in relation to part of the Belhaven Hospital site.
“The application has been published on our website and anyone can make a representation in writing before March 2.
“The board is working to evaluate and respond to the request within six months in line with the Community Empowerment Act.”
The full application can be viewed at nhslothian.scot/yourrights/community-empowerment-scotland-act-2015/asset-transfer-requests-and-community-right-to-buy
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