Stornoway to host future of Scotlands land debate

The development of Scotland’s first Land Use Strategy offers a landmark opportunity for you to have your say on the way Scotland’s land is used for generations to come.

“Different perspectives”

How can Scotland produce enough food, develop its renewable energy capacity and protect its iconic landscapes and habitats?

Your voice counts. That’s why you are invited to attend one of the discussion workshops for the Scottish Government’s Land Use Strategy at the Caberfeidh Hotel on Monday, March 29.

Senior officials from the Scottish Government or Scottish Ministers will attend each event, and explain the work underway on the Strategy.

The discussions will focus on the key issues to be addressed in the Land Use Strategy, offering the opportunity to bring different perspectives to the debate.

“Consultation in the autumn”

Richard Lochhead, Rural Affairs Secretary, says:

‘Rural land makes up 97 per cent of the country, accounts for one in every six jobs and generates over £17 billion a year for the economy. It supports businesses, families and communities and puts food on our plates.

‘The way we use this land is therefore crucial to Scotland’s future. The development of the Land Use Strategy offers a landmark opportunity for the public to help shape the way Scotland’s land is used for generations to come.

‘Everybody’s voice counts. So I’d encourage the people of the Western Isles to grab this chance to make their views known’.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requires a Land Use Strategy to be laid before the Scottish Parliament by 31st March 2011. The Strategy must set out the Scottish Government’s objectives in relation to sustainable land use and how these will help reduce carbon emissions.

The Scottish Government is holding discussion workshops around the country this month. These will help shape a draft Strategy which will go out to formal consultation in the autumn.

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