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 must be aligned with the strategic objectives of the Scottish Government Economic Strategy and HIE's Operating Plan. To discuss funding for a project please contact a member of the Community Assets team.
As well as assistance from HIE we can help identify other sources of funding. Communities are expected to make a cash contribution towards acquisition projects and loan funding is often required to complete the funding package.
HIE will soon be delivering the Scottish Government's new Scottish Land Fund in partnership with the BIG Lottery Fund. This is due to open in summer 2012 and further information will be available shortly. If you would like to discuss this new funding opportunity, or wish to request further information when it is available, please contact us. Read more>>
