The aim of our community land team is to increase the role of communities in the ownership and management of land and land assets, and the sustainable management of these resources for the benefit of the community. In the process of achieving its aims and objectives, the team will seek to support a diverse range of community-led initiatives, often involving innovative solutions.
The objectives of the community land team are:
1) To promote community-led land purchase or management initiatives, including management agreements and other partnership arrangements with existing owners
The team works practically with landowners and community organisations in exploiting opportunities, where these have the potential to lead to long-term, sustainable, socio-economic and environmental benefit for local communities.
The concept is also promoted through support of conferences, case study work and a database of initiatives designed to stimulate new activities based on existing experience.
2) To provide advice and support for community land initiatives, incorporating the exchange of best practice
Community involvement in land initiatives progresses through a series of stages:
- Community preparation
- Project development and planning
- Bid/contract preparation
- Final acquisition/contract/partnership
- Project implementation
Advice and support services are offered by a range of partner agencies at all stages of the process. This includes local authorities, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and HIE local area offices. The Community Land Unit team works in partnership with agencies and non-governmental organisations to maximise the integration of existing mechanisms, in an effort to provide a comprehensive response to communities requiring advice on land purchase and asset management.
3) To build capacity in community land initiatives and further their sustainability
Community land initiatives often require additional support and we do not walk away once an asset purchase / development project has been successfully delivered. We offer a range of post-acquisition support, including skills development and networking opportunities. The Scottish Community Land Network is funded by us to provide an online communication and resource tool for all those involved or interested in community land and land asset management.
We also undertake to evaluate every community land acquisition supported.
4) To contribute to the research and development of policies related to community land initiatives
The team undertakes a wide-ranging programme of research, in addition to preparation of responses to proposed legislation. Recent research supported includes a feasibility study into applying for National Park status for Harris and a study into meat processing opportunities for South Uist.
Future research activity will include further work on identifying revenue-generating and capacity building opportunities for remote communities including opportunities for international exchange of experiences. |