Western Isles MSP welcomes new fund for community land buyouts

Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the announcement today in Lewis of a new £6 million Scottish Land Fund to help communities throughout Scotland to purchase their land.

The announcement was made during a visit by Environment Minister, Stewart Stevenson, to Galson to celebrate the 5^th anniversary of the Galson Estate buyout, and to mark the official opening of their new office accommodation.

Speaking from Galson, Alasdair Allan commented:

“I am delighted that the Minister chose to come to Galson today to make this hugely important announcement for the future of community land ownership in Scotland. Today marks not only an important point for those communities throughout Scotland still seeking to take ownership of their own land, but also for the Galson Estate Trust, who are celebrating the fifth anniversary since they took ownership of their land.

“This £6 million fund will see the Scottish Government working in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the BIG Lottery Fund to deliver for local communities across Scotland and will make it easier for future generations to take control of their land.

“The previous land fund was abolished by the outgoing Labour Government in 2006 – a new Land Fund was promised at the time of the election last year by the SNP and that promise is now being honoured.

“I hope that this will act as an important incentive to communities throughout Scotland who have ambitions for economic and social development and for a more prosperous future for their people. This is something which many communities feel can best be realised through community ownership and I look forward to seeing the product of this investment by the Scottish Government in the coming years.”

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