Tayvallich’s dear green place secured for the community
IT HAS been a place for people to use and enjoy for generations, but today the future of Carsaig Green has been secured.
With stunning views across the Sound of Jura, the small grassy area of foreshore near Tayvallich has long been a popular and well used area for visitors and locals to enjoy.
Now its future has been secured following its successful purchase by Tayvallich Community Company.
The open area of grassland between the road and the beach at Carsaig has been used for as long as anyone can remember for relaxation, picnics and wild camping. At one time it was also the scene of the annual Tayvallich Weekend, full of sports activities and fun. It has been such a favourite spot that bench seats have periodically been placed here by families in memory of departed loved ones. Part of the area also forms a vital bus turning area for the scheduled daily service to Lochgilphead.
Future
The green’s future became uncertain when, in late 2016, Carsaig Estate was put up for sale in various lots, one of which was Carsaig Green.
Community company director Kevin Williams said: ‘There were fears that, following its sale, the green would be enclosed by the new owners preventing the traditional free access.’
Such was the strength of feeling that a public meeting was held on November 1 last year, at which the 71 villagers present decided unanimously to seek to purchase the land on behalf of the community. It was agreed that the best organisation to pursue this would be the Tayvallich Community Company, which was set up around five years ago to purchase the village shop and coffee shop when it was threatened with closure. Under the chairmanship of Peter Burrell, the company sought pledges from the community and beyond with a view to negotiating with the vendors of Carsaig Green.
In the event, more than £20,000 was pledged by members of the public.
Kevin continued: ‘The response to the pledges was outstanding, and though the owners declined to negotiate privately on the matter, Tayvallich Community Company was finally able to make a substantial offer for the land when the sale went to a closing date on November 24. In the event the offer was accepted and, to mark this, a celebratory party and barbecue was held on the green at the winter solstice on December 21.’
The entry date is today, February 10, when the land will formally pass into community ownership.
‘We want it to continue to be used as before,’ added Kevin, ‘as an area for people to visit and enjoy.’