News Release

Friday, March 18, 2005

MACDONALD APPROVES ASSYNT COMMUNITY BUY OUT

Deputy Rural Development Minister Lewis Macdonald has today given the green light for the Assynt Foundation to buy three properties at Assynt in Wester Ross.

The Foundation’s applications to buy Drumrunie Forest, Glencansip Lodge and Glencansip Forest, under the Community Right to Buy provisions of the Land Reform Act, have been approved by Scottish Ministers. The Assynt Foundation now face the challenge of raising £2,915,000 to buy the land.

An application by the Coigeach Community Company Limited to buy Drumrunie Forest has been rejected.

Mr Macdonald said:

“I believe single management of the three areas will deliver a more co-ordinated approach that will benefit the Assynt area.

“The Assynt Foundation’s applications provide a mix of ecologically valuable land and land with viable potential, contributing to the longer term sustainability of the community and its aspirations.

“Giving communities control over the way their land is managed gives them greater power to shape their own futures and provides real rights and opportunities to help them realise their economic ambitions.

“It is now for the community body to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to conclude the transfer and take advantage of these opportunities.

“I hope both the Assynt and Coigeach communities can work together now to safeguard this inspiringly scenic land on behalf of the people of Scotland.

“I would encourage all neighbouring communities with common aspirations to consider seriously the benefits of a co-ordinated approach.”