Pairc yes vote a decisive step say’s Allan

Alisdair Allan MSP

Western Isles  MSP, Alasdair Allan, has tonight welcomed news that the community of Pairc in Lewis has voted to press ahead with its plans for a community buyout of the Pairc Estate.

The ballot saw the Yes vote receive an overall 69% of votes cast on a 75% turnout.

Commenting after the results were declared, Alasdair Allan said:

“The community of Pairc has made a highly significant decision and, I believe, the right one. A very clear majority of both crofters and non-crofters have voted to proceed with the buyout of the Pairc estate.

I have every faith that the community could make a much better job of running the estate than its present landowner.

“What gives the vote a national significant is that this is the first time anywhere in Scotland any community has had to go down the so-called ‘part three’ route of the Land Reform Act. What that means is that it has taken the threat of a hostile bid for the Pairc Trust to get this far.

All other landowners in Scotland in this situation have been prepared to come forward with proposals for an amicable settlement with the community long before this stage.

“I would like to hope that such a settlement is still possible and in everyone’s interests, but clearly people in the community are determined, with good reason, to press ahead.

I congratulate them for doing so and am very happy to work with people in Pairc in the next stage of what has already been a very long process for them.

“Obviously not everyone voted yes, and it is important that those people’s concerns are listened to and respected. I believe, however, that tonight Pairc has taken a decisive step further towards taking charge of its own future.”

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