Scottish community business: an idea that has had its day?

English Community business is a form of community based economic development. Within the UK it was pioneered in Scotland and throughout the 1980s and 1990s it received considerable financial support from the public sector. Despite this, its economic performance was disappointing. This reflected flaws in the development model and the unrealistic expectations raised by promoters of the concept. This article outlines an alternative community business model, based upon experience in Dundee. The new urban agenda in the UK offers opportunities for such businesses to play a key role. However, if this is to be effective there has to be a willingness to learn from experience. If this is not done then the alternative models may be as ineffectual as the earlier ones.