Dysart Colliery Silver Band has a new home following Fife Council’s approval for it to buy the Glebe Park Centre in Kirkcaldy.  

The band will take ownership of the former council building through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT). A CAT gives recognised community bodies the right to the transfer of Council owned land or buildings if they believe they can make better use of them for local benefit.

The decision was initially considered and approved by the Kirkcaldy Area Committee last month (February 2026) and has now been endorsed by the Council’s Cabinet Committee.

The Glebe Park Centre has been vacant for several years and requires significant repair and refurbishment. Dysart Colliery Silver Band has committed to taking on full responsibility for all repairs and maintenance, with plans to redevelop the building into a vibrant, inclusive community facility.

Working in partnership with Kirkcaldy Gaming Society (KGS) – who will sub‑let part of the building – the organisation aims to create a community‑owned hub offering:

• Free music tuition and intergenerational rehearsals
• Weekly tabletop gaming sessions
• Low‑cost or free activities for local residents
• Space for community meetings, wellbeing groups, cultural events and informal learning
• A welcoming, accessible venue open to all ages and backgrounds

Other local groups, including the Royal British Legion Scotland and various community learning providers, have expressed interest in using the space.

Refurbishment costs are estimated between £170,000 and £200,000, with funding already secured from:

• The Crown Estate for priority roof repairs
• A £20,000 Council grant for urgent “Day 1” works
• Over £6,000 in community fundraising

Fife Council Leader, Councillor David Ross, welcomes community ownership, saying: “This proposal demonstrates the real value of community ownership in bringing unused buildings back into meaningful use. The Dysart Colliery Silver Band have shown strong commitment, a clear vision, and a willingness to invest in the future of the Glebe Park Centre. Their plans will help create a welcoming, inclusive space that benefits people of all ages, and I’m pleased to see such a positive example of community empowerment in action.”

Councillor Ian Cameron, Area Convener of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee highlights local benefits, adding: “The group has worked extremely hard to put together a credible plan that not only safeguards the building but turns it into a real asset for local residents. The Area Committee was impressed by the range of activities proposed and by the band’s readiness to take responsibility for the building’s refurbishment. This transfer has the potential to make a genuine difference at a local level.”

Fiona Dick, Dysart Colliery Silver Band, concluded: This is a very exciting day for the Band and our partners the Kirkcaldy Gaming Society which allows us to take both of our organisations into the future with a permanent home allowing us to continue to develop.”

The Band and KGS are looking to hold an official opening event to celebrate the transfer at the end of the month.  Everyone’s welcome!