One year on from their eviction, the residents of Tillicoultry are no closer to returning to their homes.  

Over the last year, residents of the 29 evicted properties have had no access to their belongings and are yet to receive answers on the fate of their homes.  

Concerns have rightly been raised surrounding the security of items in the property and many have been left in limbo, unable to rent alternative accommodation due to financial ties to the vacant properties. 

People have been left with uncertainty about their futures and we cannot underestimate the impact this has had on those left without a safe place to live. It is a situation no-one should have to face.   

Last month during Portfolio Questions, I called on the Minister of Public Finances, Ivan McKee MSP, to support Clacks Council to reunite residents with their belongings. I asked the Minister to review the guidance the Scottish Government is giving to local authorities on how residents can retrieve essential items. 

Thankfully, the Minister has agreed to look into this issue and respond with guidance available to the council which I hope will steer them towards a resolution.  

It is vital that Clacks Council do all they can to implement a plan for residents, even if this requires providing secure storage units for their belongings whilst the future of the properties is decided.  

I am disappointed to note that the report for residents on the potential future outcomes of the properties has been delayed. I am hopeful that this will be brought forward by the Council as soon as possible to ensure residents have a voice in the future of their homes. 

If you are affected by this issue, please do reach out to my office and we will do our best to help. The issues faced by residents in Tillicoultry emphasises the need to ensure Scotland has robust and enforceable housing rights and later this year, we’re hoping to see the final introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill was a key pledge of the Bute House Agreement and will see new rights for tenants and rent controls introduced. This includes a duty on local authorities to assess rent conditions in their area and new grounds for delaying evictions in some circumstances.  

Reforms to housing rights in Scotland are long overdue. The Housing Bill has transformative potential to improve housing outcomes for renters and those who are homeless in Scotland.  

I hope that the Scottish Government will stand by their commitment to strengthening the housing rights across the country. 

Insecure and unsuitable housing can have a deeply detrimental impact on people’s daily lives, one that sadly continues to be felt by the residents of Tillicoultry. Change cannot come too soon.