Inspiring rural communities

When landmark laws were introduced in Scotland in 2003 giving rural people the right to buy land of value to the community, few could have predicted the transformation it would bring.

Since the Land Reform (Scotland) Act was passed, many far-sighted communities have taken control of their destiny by bringing land under local ownership. The results have been life changing.

From fields and woodlands, to hospitals and mountain estates, communities north and south have united to purchase land or property and turn it into a resource for all. Islands which had fared poorly under private landlords have seen lost populations and opportunities return.

By driving change, many have ensured a sustainable future for their people with the creation of new enterprises and energy projects which have become a model for the rest of the UK.

Tales of an Island

One inspiring island example is Gigha. Gigha is an island 7 miles long by 1 mile wide. It lies off the west coast of Kintyre and the purchase of the island by its dwellers in 2002, and the results afterwards, shone the light for the reform of land law in Scotland.

When the islanders raised £4 million through the Scottish Land Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to buy Gigha from the Holt family, the population had dwindled to 100 people. Only six children attended the primary school and the island suffered badly from sub-standard housing.

Today, following a huge community effort, the population stands at around 160, there are over 20 kids at the school and Scotland's first community-owned, grid-connected, wind farm raises a six figure sum annually.

Existing houses have been refurbished and new ones built on the instruction of the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, the body overseeing local affairs. There is better accommodation for visitors, such as new Bed and Breakfast establishments. Businesses such as the multi-award-winning Boathouse Cafe Bar are a source of island pride.

"A lot has been achieved," says Willie McSporran MBE, current Chairman of Gigha Renewable Energy Committee and a central figure in the island buy-out back in 2002.

"It has given people their own voice. The housing has improved greatly, which was one of the priorities. Most importantly, Gigha will never be sold again. We are the custodians of the island but it was bought for the future generations. It will be up to them to progress it."

New Hope for Army Base

While residents of Eigg and Gigha assumed control of their future by purchasing their islands, the villagers of Comrie in Perthshire are building a bright tomorrow after buying a former army base which housed German Prisoners of War in World War II.

Cultybraggan Camp was put up for sale by the Ministry of Defence and was bought in 2007 for £350,000 by the Comrie Development Trust. It was the first sale of army property to a community body since the Land Reform (Scotland) Act came into being.

The achievements so far have seen Comrie held up by the Scottish government as a model for other communities to follow.

Uniting People

Nine Nissen shelters have been transformed into work units for local businesses and all 30 plots in a new allotment scheme are under cultivation.

Following significant improvements, the camp is now worth almost three times its purchase value and there are plans for 12 eco pods for holiday rental and a bio-mass energy installation. Membership of the community trust now numbers 700 from a population of 3000 and the long-term aim is for a community sports facility and affordable housing.

"The Land Reform (Scotland) Act changed the game for us," says Board member Alan Caldwell. "If we had not taken the steps we did, the camp would have been sold for the type of housing which would not have benefited Comrie. This is working for the future of the village."

Land Back To The People

One community that has already improved its future is Assynt in the north west highlands. In June 2005, the community bought Glencanisp and Drumrunie Estates from the Vestey family, a 44,400 acre haven which includes the dramatic mountains of Suilven, Canisp, Cul Mor and Cul Beag.

The ageing Glencanisp Lodge was included and has since been tastefully renewed. Artists, writers and photographers attend residencies there while a local pottery business flourishes. Milestones have been achieved, too, in habitat management on the vast estate.

"There has been a strong feeling of people being removed from the land in the highlands in the past. This returns it to the community," says Mark Lazzeri of the Assynt Foundation.

Perhaps the best people to look after the interests of local communities are the communities themselves. The changes to land law in Scotland have made that possible.