Community land sales

A new protocol has been agreed for negotiated land buyouts from willing private landowners to communities.

A template for procedures has drawn on the experience of many of the negotiated sales that have taken place over the last ten years such as Barvas, Carloway, Galson and Scalpay.

It is hoped the lessons learned by these communities and landowners can lead to more transfers of land and associated assets in shorter periods of time.

The protocol - drawn up between Scottish Land and Estates and Community Land Scotland - was announced at the Community Land Scotland Conference in Stornoway.

Scottish land reform minister, Roseanna Cunningham, praised the development as a "great example of what can be achieved with a spirit of co-operation and a willingness" to address the issues that can arise from a lack of understanding between owners and communities

Ms Cunningham said: “It shows the advantages that early engagement has, for all concerned, and I know that it will be embraced with enthusiasm and a willingness to succeed. I look forward to hearing about the successes this protocol will bring.”

New protocol could speed up community land sales

30 May 2016