Community development

Views are being sought on the future direction of the Cairngorm and Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park.

A 14-week public consultation has launched with the aim of developing a long-term strategy for the management of the publicly-owned land in this area.

The Pairc Trust, a community body in South-East Lewis, has recently (4 December) completed the purchase of the Pairc Estate on behalf of the community of some 400 crofters and residents.

The Pairc Trust have been trying to bring the 28,000 acre estate into community ownership since 2003. 

The purchase has now been made on the basis of a voluntary transfer by the landlord, after a long history involving several ballots and applications by Pairc Trust to the Scottish Government under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. 

Norman MacAskill, North Regional Development Manager at Lead Scotland and former director of Scottish Rural Action, shares his experiences of the European Rural Parliament held recently in Scharding, Upper Austria. We'll have more from other attendees from Scotland over the next couple of weeks.

What was the event about and why did you attend?

Derek Harper, Chair of the local liaison group for the 2016 Scottish Rural Parliament event was part of the Scottish delegation to the European Rural Parliament (ERP) event held in Schärding, Austria last month. Here, he shares his reflections on the event. We'll have more from other attendees from Scotland over the next couple of weeks.

What was the event about and why did you attend?

A minibus trial funded by Muirhall Energy is investing in the need to provide public transport for its rural community.

The trial, which has been organised by the Woolfords, Auchengray & Tarbrax Improvement Foundation (WAT IF?) and run by Salmonds Coaches, will run until 19 December and    is fully funded by Muirhall Windfarm Extension.

Debbie Bridges, Community Officer for Muirhall Energy said:

The Tesco Local Community Scheme for community greenspace projects is now open for applications until 11 December 2015.

The money raised from the 5p bag charge in Tesco stores will be used to pay for a large number of local projects to improve greenspaces in communities across Scotland, England and Wales. The grant scheme is administered by Groundwork, working with greenspace scotland to deliver the programme in Scotland.

Brechin, Angus has been announced as the location for the second Scottish Rural Parliament.

Around 400 people are expected to gather in Brechin for the event on 6-8 October 2016 to develop and agree an action plan for rural Scotland as well as celebrating the strengths and achievements of rural communities.