Robert Owen, who is world renowned for establishing a similar ground breaking initiative at New Lanark in the early 19th Century, was also a founding member of the co-operative movement in Scotland. His vision will come alive in Owenstown. “..I know that society may be formed so as to exist without crime, without poverty, with health greatly improved, with little, if any misery, and with intelligence and happiness increased a hundredfold: and no obstacle whatsoever intervenes at this moment except ignorance to prevent such a state of society from becoming universal".
Robert Owen 1st January 1816Retail co-operatives have flourished in many towns in Scotland (and the rest of the UK) for over a century and still continue to provide a range of commercial services to their local communities.
Over the last 40 years, Scottish rented housing has been transformed by the creation of housing associations which largely operate as Industrial & Provident Societies. The overriding advantage of the voluntary housing movement has been the empowerment of the tenants through a shareholding ownership.
Some of these housing associations have evolved over the years to meet the changing demands of their activities, and to provide a broader range of services to meet tenant and community demands. Many are at the forefront of energy efficient developments, reducing heat and power bills for tenants.