Lauderdale is located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres) southeast of Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders and includes the townships of Oxton, Lauder and Blainslie.

The Lauderdale Development Trust was established in 2004 for the purpose of improving the social, economic and environmental well-being of Lauderdale. In 2006 it was registered in Scotland as a company limited by guarantee.

The LDT aims to become self-sustaining through trading as a social enterprise

Residents of Lauderdale may become members of the LDT and have a say in how it is run. Find out more here

Origins of LDT

In 1996 a Community Appraisal was undertaken in Lauderdale. This involved a questionnaire sent to all households in the area that generated almost a 50% response. The survey identified a wide range of issues of concern to the community, as well as a number of opportunities to be pursued. The Appraisal Report resulted in the formation of a wide range of local groups to address concerns and opportunities seen as priorities by the communities in Lauderdale. In order to assist these groups and co-ordinate activities a Development Forum was soon established , working closely with Lauderdale Community Council.

Since that successful appraisal, and subsequent evaluations in 2000 and 2003, (See Appendix 4 for more information) Lauderdale Community Council and the Development Forum considered how best to keep the regeneration of Lauderdale alive through community development and capacity building. Encouraged by Scottish Borders Rural Partnership the idea of establishing a Development Trust was investigated early in 2003.

Following visits to Development Trusts in Northumberland, further open public discussion and debate within the Community Council and the Development Forum the community agreed to form the Lauderdale Development Trust at a public meeting held in October 2003. A report was prepared and presented to both the Community Council and the Development Forum which recommended the formation of Lauderdale Development Trust as a way forward. In June 2003 the Community Council agree to establish a Steering Group to look into the formation of the Trust which would be separate from the Community Council and the Development Forum but that there would be representation from both organisations on the Steering Group. Open and public meetings were held and speakers from outwith the Borders invited to explain and discuss the role of the Trust and how it might complement the work of other community -based organisations. The Trust was formally constituted in October 2003.

The Trust's aim is to work alongside the Community Council and Development Forum towards the development and regeneration of Lauderdale. The need was to become more pro-active in taking forward opportunities, but as a Community Business which would further the economic, environmental and social development of Lauderdale. The Trust was established as an independent organisation that seeks to achieve sustained community renewal through the self-help and enterprise of its community. It acts as an umbrella organisation for a variety of community enterprises engaged in the regeneration of the area within its stated boundaries.

Company registration details:

LAUDERDALE DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD.
LEADER LEISURE CENTRE
OLD CAUSEWAY, EAST HIGH STREET
LAUDER
BERWICKSHIRE TD2 6SX
Company No. SC296631