Gypsy/Traveller sites - interim site design guide: supplementary material

1. Introduction

The Scottish Government published an Interim Site Design Guide (ISDG) in December 2021 to assist public sector providers of Gypsy/Traveller sites to design and provide high quality accommodation for Gypsy/Travellers that meets their needs. This was developed in conjunction with local authorities and with input from members of Gypsy/Traveller communities. Meeting the requirements of the ISDG was a condition of funding for demonstration projects that received funding from the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund (GTAF). An independent evaluation of the GTAF and the ISDG is underway.

Following completion of the demonstration projects and evaluation, we intend to publish a final site design guide. However, feedback from the projects has indicated that supplementary material to the ISDG, based on learning from the projects, would be helpful to site providers. This document provides additional information on:

• decanting residents
• community engagement
• accommodation types and terminology; and
• fire safety

A supporting document also provides example site plans and accommodation layouts. The information should be read in conjunction with the ISDG.

1.1 Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund

Work to improve Gypsy/Traveller accommodation is part of wider work to address issues faced by Gypsy/Traveller communities. The Scottish Government published Improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2 – Action Plan 2024-2026, our second joint action plan setting out steps to improve outcomes for Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland, in September 2024. This builds on progress made by the first action plan Improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers.

Nearly £15 million has been committed or spent under the GTAF between 2021-22 and 2024-25, matched by funding from local authorities, to progress projects for more and better accommodation. To build experience and skills in Gypsy/Traveller site development, the GTAF focused on demonstration projects in six council areas to establish examples of modern sites:

Aberdeen – demolition and rebuild of the Clinterty site. The redevelopment maintained 21 pitches but expanded plot sizes to comply with fire regulations, accommodating up to 38 caravans. The new design enhances accessibility, energy efficiency, and security. It includes an enclosed play area, improved road layout, additional green space, and an updated community facility. Each plot now has a larger amenity block with some living space, offering residents greater flexibility and privacy.

Clackmannanshire – demolition and rebuild of the Westhaugh site. The project will expand the number of pitches from 14 to 16. Each pitch will be larger, providing an accessible, energy-efficient amenity block designed to offer modern, safe, and culturally appropriate residential accommodation. Each unit will be equipped with PV cells and battery storage to enhance sustainability.

Fife – demolition and rebuild of the Tarvit Mill site. It will deliver 16 energy-efficient residential mobile homes, including solar panels and battery storage. The project will also upgrade community facilities, including new meeting spaces, improved landscaping and play areas, as well as enhanced broadband and Wi-Fi access to promote digital inclusion.

Highland – demolition and rebuild of the Longman Park site, being completed in two phases. The redevelopment includes expanding the site to provide 15 energy efficient mobile homes, with five fully wheelchair-accessible units. Improvements include upgraded drainage, additional parking, a community hub, a play area and improved digital connectivity.

Perth and Kinross – demolition and rebuild of the Double Dykes site, being completed in three phases. The project will replace 20 existing chalets with high-quality, future-proofed residential mobile homes. It will enhance energy efficiency through improved insulation, renewable technologies, and low-carbon solutions, impacting on fuel costs. Additionally, it will create a more inclusive and accessible living environment, improving the overall site with upgraded amenities, landscaping, and a play area.

South Lanarkshire – delivered key improvements at Shawlands Crescent and Springbank Park as part of a Masterplan approach including the addition of two new pitches with amenity units, extension and improvement of existing amenity units and new play areas for children. These upgrades increase accommodation capacity, improve community spaces, and enhance overall site functionality while maintaining safety and inclusivity.

1.2 Future Funding for Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation

As part of the current action plan, the Scottish Government has committed to taking the necessary steps so that funding for Gypsy/Traveller accommodation can be accessed alongside housing under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) in the next Parliament i.e. from 2026-27 onwards. This is in addition to capital funding distributed each year in the Local Government Capital Settlement on the basis of existing pitch numbers, in recognition of council responsibilities for Gypsy/Traveller accommodation.

Funding Gypsy/Traveller accommodation alongside housing demonstrates a long-term Scottish Government commitment to supporting local authorities to meet their duties in relation to Gypsy/Traveller homes and allows local authorities to better plan ahead.

Local authorities should include an outline of any capital works planned on Gypsy/Traveller sites in their Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) and indicate whether funding for this work will be sought from the Scottish Government.

1.3 Input from Local Authorities and Community Members

The supplementary materials provide detail gathered from local authorities and from residents of sites, in order to present both perspectives. We would like to thank MECOPP for their help in facilitating the involvement of residents and local authorities for taking the time to provide materials to inform future projects.