Rival sides in talks over Pairc estate dispute 13/9/11
Discussions over a potential amicable buyout of the Pairc estate on Lewis are taking place.
Barry Lomas, who owns the 20,000 acres of South Lochs moorland being fought over, has suggested a possible deal with the community body leading the land purchase bid.
If the community agree to concessions, the present legal action would be dropped.
The ground presently has little value expect as rough pasture for livestock but Scottish and Southern Energy's application to build a giant windfarm has dramatically raised the odds.
A spokesman for Pairc Trust said: “Following an approach from Pairc Estate, we are holding exploratory discussions with the estate about the possibility of an amicable estate transfer.
“We have always made it clear that Pairc Trust are happy to discuss proposals from the estate for an amicable transfer.”
He stressed: “The discussions are at an early stage. If an acceptable outcome can be negotiated, Pairc Trust will bring the offer to the people of Pairc for their consideration.”
The opposing sides have been at bitter loggerheads for years over the forced takeover. Present legal action could stall any buyout into the middle of the decade.
The battle for Pairc is being waged in two courts after the controversial Land Reform
Act was used in anger in May -
The Court of Session in Edinburgh is the stage to decide if the Scottish Parliament acted lawfully under the European Convention on Human Rights by permitting a community to take control of a crofting estate despite the owner’s express refusal to sell.
After that issue is determined -