Local news
How The Volunteer Hall became community-owned
A Heart for Duns has been featured in the Community Land Scotland’s report about community-owned organisations and venues. If you are curious about how the The Volunteer Hall has become a community owned asset – click here to read a full case study. Below you’ll find a short summary.
The community hall in Duns, initially owned by the Lowland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (LRFCA) and leased by Scottish Borders Council (SBC), faced closure in 2010 due to financial losses. Concerned about losing this important asset, a public meeting was called by a local resident, drawing over 300 attendees. As a result, SBC abandoned its closure plans, sparking the formation of a group called A Heart for Duns in 2011. A comprehensive options appraisal was commissioned, involving public consultations, online platforms, and in-person meetings to gather community input. After exploring various alternatives, renovating and modifying the existing premises emerged as the most favourable option. With consent from the community, A Heart for Duns pursued funding, organised events, and established sub-committees.
In March 2018, AHFD successfully applied for a Scottish Land Fund grant which was enough to pay lawyer’s fees, carry out building surveys, complete the purchase and even enough to finance a small
celebration party!
AHFD also became a Development Trust, facilitated the set-up of a Men’s Shed, set up and delivered a Coastal Geology project, supported Keeping Duns Blooming Marvellous, set up a community cinema and converted former flats to offices.
In 2019 – 2021 further improvements were made to the hall, including fitting an air-source heat pump, new lighting and a better ceiling and a feasibility study was commissioned to look at creating a bigger and better fit-for-purpose facility for the local community.
A Community Fridge was also established which became the Community Larder in 2021. Among
latest initiatives are also fruitful partnership projects, such as Duns Town Trail with Duns Rotary Club and
Community Café and Pantry in partnership with Duns Food Bank.
Are you passionate about improving our community?Would you like to use your skills to make a real difference across Duns and Berwickshire? A Heart for Duns (AHFD) is seeking new […]
We are delighted to announce that A Heart for Duns has successfully achieved the nationally recognised Investing in Volunteers standard, the UK quality mark for organisations that work with volunteers. The […]
PART-TIME, FIXED TERM – 2 YEARS Location: Duns Volunteer Hall, Duns Hours: 10.5 hours per week, to be worked flexibly (occasional evenings and weekends) Terms of employment: 2 years fixed term contract Salary: £7,644 plus pension scheme, (£27,300 FTE)Closing Date: 23:59 Sunday 29th March 2026 […]
