Land and other assets can be vital resources in the development of sustainable rural communities. HIE want to support communities to grow by assisting them to acquire and develop land and assets in the Highlands and Islands. This can offer communities the freedom to develop valuable local services, create income streams and provide environmental benefits for their areas.
Our aim is to increase the role of communities in the ownership and management of land and assets, and the sustainable management of these resources for the benefit of the community.
Over 400,000 acres (160,000 ha.) of land across the Highlands and Islands is now owned and/or managed by local communities.
How we can support communities:
The Community Assets team can provide specialist advice and funding for:
- Community preparation and start-up advice.
- Professional fees for bid and preparation or management agreement
- Land and asset acquisition
- Aftercare support - managing and developing assets, skills development and training.
The team can also provide guidance on the Land Reform Act, Community Right to Buy, National Forest Land Scheme, and Woodland Crofts.
Funding:
Intervention levels will vary depending on the needs of the project. All funding from HIE is discretionary and subject to a rigorous appraisal process which will determine a fit with the Scottish Government Economic Strategy and HIE's Operating Plan. For more information, please contact a member of the Community Assets team.
Grant funding opportunities for acquisition have declined in recent times and groups are advised to consider the viability of some private finance in their business plan. Land management agreements and/or leasing arrangements may become an alternative means of community asset management.
