West Lothian MP Gregor Poynton has made an urgent appeal to Holyrood ministers to intervene in a housing dispute that has left blind military veterans facing eviction from the historic Linburn Estate.
The dispute arises after charity Sight Scotland Veterans entered negotiations to sell off land at its Linburn Veterans Centre near Wilkieston, West Lothian, to private developers.
The charity, which has transferred more than £15m from its reserves to cover structural deficits, gave tenants a 12-month notice to quit in June last year, stating that the existing 13 residential properties must be demolished.
The estate, situated just outside Edinburgh’s western boundary, was purchased by the charity in 1946 to build specialized housing and workshops for soldiers blinded during the war.
While several residents have been successfully rehoused, a number of visually impaired veterans remain in their homes with their eviction notice periods now elapsed, unable to find alternative, accessible accommodation.
The local West Lothian Council housing waiting list currently has over 11,000 applicants.
Mr Poynton, who recently met with affected residents on-site, has written to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing and the Minister for Veterans to demand a coordinated housing plan with West Lothian Council Leader Cllr Lawrence Fitzpatrick.
Mr Poynton said: “I am deeply sorry that, more than a year after residents were first told they would have to leave their homes, a number of blind veterans are still living with uncertainty about their future.
“These are men and women who have served our country. They deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion, and they should not be left worrying about where they will live.
“Whilst it is positive that some residents have now found alternative accommodation, it is very disappointing that others are still waiting for suitable housing and support.
“Housing is a devolved responsibility in Scotland, so I have written to the SNP Scottish Government urging ministers responsible for housing and veterans to work together with West Lothian Council and Sight Scotland Veterans to ensure every remaining resident is helped into suitable, accessible accommodation as quickly as possible.
“I also want every resident to know that my office is here to help. If anyone needs assistance dealing with Sight Scotland Veterans, housing providers or any other organisation involved in this process, I would encourage them to get in touch.
“My team and I will do everything we can to support them.”
