Community Asset Transfer of McClymont House - Appeal Outcome
The charity Healthy Valleys (HV) is delighted to announce a significant milestone in its plans to bring McClymont House in Lanark back into community use.
Following an appeal to the Scottish Government, an Independent Reporter was appointed to review South Lanarkshire Council’s decision to decline Healthy Valleys’ Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request.
After carefully considering both cases and visiting the site, the Reporter concluded that the original decision should be overturned and that the Community Asset Transfer should be granted to Healthy Valleys. This recommendation was subsequently upheld by Scottish Ministers.
Healthy Valleys has now been invited by the Independent Reporter to progress its application, with the next stage being to work in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council to finalise the transfer and bring the building back into use as a vibrant community facility.
McClymont House has long been an important part of the Lanark community, and this new chapter aims to ensure it continues to serve local people in a way that reflects current needs and future aspirations.
The plans will create opportunities for people of all ages, including young people, families, older people, and those who may be feeling isolated or lonely, as well as individuals living with long-term conditions.
The proposal has been strongly supported by the local community, with over 900 positive responses received through public consultation.
Healthy Valleys has been working closely with partners, stakeholders and the local community throughout the process to help realise a shared vision for the building. The organisation is keen to continue working in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council - as a key local authority supporting many of its participants - to deliver meaningful, life-changing outcomes.
The development of McClymont House fits with Healthy Valleys’ hub and spoke model, enabling the organisation to strengthen its presence in Lanark while continuing to deliver services across surrounding rural villages.
John Dalrymple, Chair of Healthy Valleys, said:
“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the appeal process and grateful that the Independent Reporter recognised the strength of our application and the aspirations we have for McClymont House.
“Our focus is on creating a welcoming, inclusive space that supports and serves the local community. This is a real opportunity to bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, and create lasting positive change for individuals and families across Lanark.
“We will continue to engage with local residents and stakeholders and invite constructive conversations and partnership opportunities as we shape the future of McClymont House together.
“We now look forward to working in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council to finalise the details and create a vibrant community facility that will leave a lasting legacy for Lanark and beyond.”
Healthy Valleys previously operated from Lockhart Hospital until 2022 and is committed to re-establishing a strong base in Lanark to support local communities.
Healthy Valleys is a community-led health and wellbeing organisation established in 2003, working across rural South Lanarkshire. The organisation supports people at all stages of life, including supporting pregnant women through pregnancy, helping new parents build confidence and skills, and providing a wide range of programmes to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Its work focuses on four key themes: Early Years, Mental Health, Food and Wellbeing, and Active Travel (Gear Up).
Support includes intensive 1:1 support, courses, classes and workshops, peer and social support groups, and a wide range of volunteering opportunities.
Healthy Valleys also delivers initiatives such as active travel hubs, training kitchens to improve cooking skills and healthy eating, and programmes to support people experiencing poverty, isolation and inequality.
