Storr land buyout rejection slammed

THE MSP for Skye has described Highland Council’s decision to reject a community-led buyout for land at the Old Man of Storr as ‘out of step with the spirit of community empowerment’.

Kate Forbes MSP commended Staffin Community Trust’s plan to build a new off-road car park, public toilets and interpretation at one of Skye’s most popular landmarks.

Highland Council’s rejection of the Asset Transfer Request – the first in the Highlands under the new Community Empowerment Act – follows another busy summer on Skye as infrastructure comes under growing strain.

Last week Staffin Community Trust called for a review of Highland Council’s decision, adding it hoped to negotiate with senior council representatives.

Kate Forbes MSP said: ‘I have supported Staffin Community Trust’s proposed buyout of the Storr land and I was hugely disappointed by the recent decision to reject the buyout. After a summer of talking about improving Skye’s infrastructure and helping communities, I think the recent decision is out of step with public opinion.

‘We should be doing a lot more to empower communities, not hinder them, especially when they have put so much time and effort into a proposal like Staffin Community Trust has.

‘I’m pleased the trust intends to negotiate and to get a review of the recent decision to reject its proposal. I continue to fully support Staffin Community Trust and hope community empowerment and common sense will prevail.’