This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Assynt 10th anniversary conference
29/08/2003
The Assynt Crofters Trust 10th anniversary conference
has been told the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 could
help future generations make their dreams of community
buy-out come true.
The conference was organised by a working group of young
people from the community, ranging in age from 17 to
29.
Deputy Rural Development Minister Allan Wilson said:
"Many people have learned from the experience here in
Assynt, and many others aspire to their community being
able to do the same thing in the future.
"That is why the
Land Reform (Scotland) Act is so important for future
generations of communities throughout rural Scotland. They
too should have the opportunity to make their dreams become
a reality and enjoy the benefits of community
ownership.
"The Act is already encouraging people across the
Highlands and Islands to consider whether the right to buy
could benefit their community. Some communities - such as
South Uist - have taken this a step further and started
discussions on a buy-out as a result of the new
legislation.
"It will provide real legal rights for communities to
buy land. No longer will they have to rely on the goodwill
of landowners.
"The day when the Act is implemented will be a good day
for the Highlands and Islands and a good day for Scotland,
and we are moving quickly towards that day."
The
Land Reform (Scotland) Act was passed by the Scottish
Parliament on January 23 and received Royal Assent on
February 25.
As well as giving crofting communities the right to
acquire and control the croft land where they live and
work, the Act also provides an opportunity for other
communities to register an interest in and then buy rural
land when it comes to be sold.
The 12-week consultation on orders required for
implementing the community right to buy in Part 2 of the
Land Reform (Scotland) Act will provide an opportunity
for interested parties to comment on 3 orders:
- definition of excluded land
- ballots
- compensation
The deadline for submitting comments is Friday, November
14. The consultation was announced by the First Minister
Jack McConnell on a visit to Assynt on Tuesday, August
19.
The Assynt Crofters' Trust is the owner of the North
Assynt Estate which covers some 21,000 acres. The crofting
community group purchased the croft land in 1993 for
£300,000 from a Swedish property company.
At present, there are 120 crofting families in 13
crofting townships.