Friday August 21st 2026
Glasgow City Chambers
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
The council has been challenged over the renting of land for a “pittance” to a “multinational company”.
Electricity firm SSE Generation Ltd lease Cathkin Braes Country Park for £3,000 annually from the council for a windfarm.
Councillor Jim Kavanagh described the tenant as a “multi national company” with “money galore”.
The lease is due to run until 2037 on the common good land – which is owned by the Glasgow City Council.
As well as receiving £3,000 annual rent the council is also entitled to an “additional equity share of income generated in terms of a coventure agreement” between the local authority and the tenant.
Speaking at a council meeting yesterday, councillor Kavanagh described the rent amount as “absolute washers”.
He said the “council is entitled to an additional equity share of the profit generated”.
He asked: “When was the last time this contract was reviewed or looked at and by whom?”
In response a City Property representative said: “The property and the lease is managed by City Property. The agreement on equity and the arrangements that the council have with the tenant for the use of that equity is not managed by City Property.
“We did raise it with the council within the last 18 to 24 months but simply to clarify that the arrangement as before was as is now.”
Councillor Kavanagh, Labour, replied: “I will reiterate the question. Who in the council is in charge of this? When was this last looked at – this agreement?
He added: “It is £3,000 for a multinational company per year. And to take the vast majority of the profit while we get some of the profit. When was it last looked at? It is an actual pittance.”
A council officer said: “I’m unable to answer now when was the last time the contract was reviewed. Obviously there is the lease agreement and the associated agreement for any profit share. I don’t know what dates are built into that and whether there is the ability for us to vary it.”
The official agreed to have a discussion with other staff and provide an update to the committee.
The lease was discussed at yesterday’s Finance and Audit Scrutiny Committee as councillors were given an update on the status of the council’s common good portfolio.
City Property Glasgow (Investments) LLP is responsible for “maximising rental income from the portfolio and managing the condition of the properties and instructing as necessary any repairs and maintenance following approval from the Council’s Common Good fund” according to a report.
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