This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Assynt community buy out approved
18/03/2005
The Assynt Foundation has today been given the green
light to buy three properties at Assynt in Wester Ross.
The Foundation's applications to buy Drumrunie Forest,
Glencansip Lodge and Glencansip Forest, under the Community
Right to Buy provisions of the Land Reform Act, have been
approved by Scottish Ministers. The Assynt Foundation now
face the challenge of raising £2,915,000 to buy the
land.
An application by the Coigeach Community Company Limited
to buy Drumrunie Forest has been rejected.
Deputy Rural Development Minister Lewis Macdonald
said:
"I believe single management of the three areas will
deliver a more co-ordinated approach that will benefit the
Assynt area.
"The Assynt Foundation's applications provide a mix of
ecologically valuable land and land with viable potential,
contributing to the longer term sustainability of the
community and its aspirations.
"Giving communities control over the way their land is
managed gives them greater power to shape their own futures
and provides real rights and opportunities to help them
realise their economic ambitions.
"It is now for the community body to ensure that the
necessary steps are taken to conclude the transfer and take
advantage of these opportunities.
"I hope both the Assynt and Coigeach communities can
work together now to safeguard this inspiringly scenic land
on behalf of the people of Scotland.
"I would encourage all neighbouring communities with
common aspirations to consider seriously the benefits of a
co-ordinated approach."
The Land Reform Act was implemented on June 14, 2004.
Part 2 of the Act provides the opportunity for properly
constituted community bodies representing rural areas in
Scotland to register an interest in and buy land when it
comes to be sold. The legislation provides a
right to buy registered land which will
contribute to the sustainable development and well-being of
the local community. Once an interest is registered, the
land cannot be sold without the community's interest being
taken into account.
Further advice on the Community Right to Buy and copies
of the Guidance can be obtained from the Scottish
Executive's Land Reform Branch at Area 1D, Pentland House,
47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY (Tel: 0131 244 6003) or
from our website at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural/Land/17063/8276.
The Assynt Foundation's applications consisted of 4,800
hectare (11, 900 acre) Drumrunie Forest, Glencanisp Lodge
and 13,150 hectare (32,500 acre) Glencanisp Forest. Its
main proposals for furthering the achievement of
sustainable development are:
- Creating employment around innovative approaches to
deer stalking/management;
- Creating employment around the development of
Glencanisp Lodge;
- Creating employment around the upgrading and
maintenance of footpaths;
- Creating employment around the monitoring and
enhancement of the natural heritage features;
- Creating employment around the protection and
expansion of ancient woodland;
- Creating employment and provide opportunities for
local people in eco tourism businesses, crofting and
other business developments;
- Developing a small number of crofts/small
holdings;
- Increasing opportunities for educational projects;
and
- Enhancing of angling opportunities.