Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (9 Nov) urged Scottish Ministers to intervene in the proposed sell-off of defence sites including Glencorse Barracks in Midlothian, Redford Barracks in Edinburgh, and bases in Stirling.
In the past, unions have been critical of MoD land being sold on the cheap and without guarantees that developers would build affordable homes.
During today’s statement at Holyrood on the issue, Andy Wightman, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, urged Scottish Ministers to work with the MoD to transfer any affected land into local control to guarantee its use for community benefit.
Mr Wightman added:
“There is an opportunity for the Scottish Government to ensure that these sites end up in local council or community control. Redford and Glencorse are not due to close as barracks for many years to come, so transition planning for community use can start now.
“Scotland has a housing crisis so these sites could play a part in providing genuinely affordable homes. As well as affordable homes, these sites could provide community facilities and much-needed business units for small firms to help support the local economy.”