An estate for disabled veterans in Scotland is set to be demolished as its charity landlord is looking to sell the land as part of a plan to remain financially sustainable.
Sight Scotland Veterans, which supports armed forces veterans who need support to adapt to sight loss, has spent more than £18m more than its income over the past five years.
The charity warned it would run out of funds by 2031 based on its current trajectory.
It said it was selling land on the Linburn Estate in West Lothian, which includes 23 residential properties – 10 of which are empty.
Other tenants include a military museum, a farmer and a community garden project.
The charity has recorded a total income of £5.2m between the years to the end of March 2021 and 2024, with total costs of £23.5m over the same period, latest accounts show.
Mark Ballard, head of external affairs and campaigns at Sight Scotland Veterans, said the charity was expected to run out of funds by 2030/31 based on its current budget and spending.
“We’re looking at ways to ensure future viability by reducing operating costs and making best use of resources, which includes investing income in a sensible way to continue our journey towards financial sustainability,” he said.
“Our services are provided free of charge, and we have also responded to need with additional services, such as our financial wellbeing service.
“Income is limited and depends largely on donations and investment returns, both of which have been insufficient to meet our financial requirements, particularly as investment balances have fallen and interest rates have remained low.
“Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, our reserves fell from £61.8m to £46.5m as we invested in our services.”
The Linburn Estate has generated a loss of almost £1m in this period, Ballard said.
“Rents on the estate housing are below market value, several of the houses are now vacant and in disrepair, yet these houses are still costing the charity in ongoing maintenance and running costs,” he said.
“It is therefore no longer financially viable to run the housing estate.
“To secure our services beyond 2031, we now need to generate additional income which will be done in a number of ways, including through the sale of land and increased fundraising efforts.”
Ballard said the charity fully recognised the impact the sale could have and had extended the notice period to a full year as a result.
“We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction,” Ballard said.
“We have started open and transparent discussions to outline our intention to sell the land for development.
“Our priority is to engage constructively with all those affected and to work together to find solutions that are fair, respectful, and take everyone’s circumstances into account.”