Conference highlights need to make land purchase easier

Land reform legislation needs to be changed to make it easier, quicker and cheaper for crofting and community groups to use their right to buy land. This was the conclusion of a conference hosted by The Highland Council at Inverness this week into Community Right to Buy (CRtB) legislation set out within the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

The one-day event, which attracted over 70 representatives from a range of public agencies and communities, discussed how the legislation could be improved and the support mechanisms required by communities wishing to invoke their right to buy.

Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of The Highland Council’s Administration, who chaired the conference, said: “Community Right to Buy legislation has already had a positive impact for communities in the Highlands and Islands but it is time now to look at how its impact might be widened.  This conference has brought together a range of organisations and individuals with directly-relevant experience – not to mention innovative ideas – and we hope it will be an important milestone on the road to seeing more community ownership in the Highlands, with all the benefits that can bring for local people.

“The general view is that we need to amend the current legislation to simplify the process of buying land and encourage greater participation in the community’s right to buy.

“My experience over many years is that if you give people the confidence of ownership of land then you get real benefits.  You just have to look at Eigg and Gigha to see how community ownership works, with increased population – especially of young people, increased business opportunities and greater community confidence.”

One significant proposal was the creation of a Community Land Bank for the Highlands and Islands, a revolving loan fund which would offer assistance to prospective purchasers. It could be funded by monies from renewable energy projects in the Highland and Islands and the Big Lottery.