Community Trust Secures Albert Hotel Transfer in North Queensferry

The community transfer of the Albert Hotel in North Queensferry was approved on October 29. This follows a previous rejection in 2023 when the North Queensferry Community Trust applied to the Scottish Government for consent to exercise the right to buy under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016. The trust had previously appealed the ministers' decision in Dunfermline Sheriff Court, which had sent the application back for proper consideration. Melanie Ward, MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, stated that the approval was a victory for the community group and the Trust.

The hotel, which ceased trading in 2017, was originally planned to be converted into four flats, but planning permission was denied. The approval allows the community group to proceed with the restoration and potential redevelopment of the historic building, supporting local property investment.