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Pairc Community wins historic right to buy crofting estate 21/3/11
The Pairc Community on Lewis could soon be masters of their own destiny after crofting minister Roseanna Cunningham granted them the right to buy the land.
In a last minute decision before the Scottish parliament breaks up for the May elections, the Environment Minister approved Scotland’s first ever hostile land buyout.
The announcement was expected last week but final consideration of the deep complexities surrounding the matter risked delaying the issue until the summer.
But now the community has been granted the right to force owner Barry Lomas to sell against his wishes.
Hebrides News understands Mr Lomas is contemplating legal action against the Scottish Government’s outcome.
Now an independent expert will be appointed who will determine the market value of the land. The Pairc Community Trust will then have six months to raise the necessary funds to secure the deal for the community taking over the land.
Almost 400 people currently live on Pairc Estate, which covers 26,800 acres (a similar land area to the City of Edinburgh), has 11 townships and 208 crofts.
The Trust has a number of projects planned to generate economic and social benefits as well as improved infrastructure. The initiatives include building affordable housing, developing a ranger service, a camper van site, holiday packages for visitors, improving paths and exploring renewable energy opportunities.
Roseanna Cunningham said: “After serious scrutiny and deliberation, the complex issues surrounding the Trust’s application have now been fully analysed and I can grant approval for The Pairc Trust to go ahead to purchase the land.
“The plans the Trust has should help inject new life into the area, rejuvenate the economy and boost the fortunes of all those who live, work and visit this spectacular part of our country.
“I wish them good fortune in raising the money required to purchase the estate and every success in shaping their own destiny.”