Community buyouts a proven success

Sir, Iain Thornber’s letter published in

The Oban Times of July 28 refers to the proposed community buyout of the Rio Tinto Alcan’s land-holding in Lochaber.

He wrongly highlights the model of community land ownership as being an ‘untried alternative’.

Communities throughout Scotland already own approximately 600,000 acres of land and have created jobs, reversed population decline, developed vibrant businesses and social enterprises and increased community confidence in their areas immeasurably.

Community Land Scotland is the representative body for community landowners in Scotland and has 69 members, including major landowners such as the Stornoway Trust, Stòras Uibhist, Galson Estate Trust and North Harris Trust, who all manage substantial land holdings successfully.

With the new Community Empowerment and Land Reform acts, the concept which has become the way of life in the islands will become much more common in urban areas.

This has nothing to do with political parties but gives local people control over their own area.

East Lochaber and Laggan Community Trust is now building membership and, through an extensive consultation exercise in the coming weeks, will be seeking the views of those living in the adjacent communities on its plans. It will be for the people of these communities to decide whether they would like to explore this idea further.

If they do, then a detailed feasibility study and business plan will be prepared to check the commercial viability and sustainability of any proposal which may be taken forward.

No one is encouraging any community to take forward a proposal which is ‘dangerous and risky’.

Community land ownership involves commitment and serious hard work on the part of everyone involved.

However, the benefits and positive results which can accrue to those communities which follow this route can be uplifting and empowering, and provide a legacy for future generations. Lorne MacLeod, chairman, Community Land Scotland, Oban.