Community groups benefit from SLF awards

The Scottish Land Fund is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

A village shop, a primary school, woodlands and churches, are among the assets set to pass into community hands as a result of this latest round of awards.

Recipients include Edinbane Community in Skye, Am Fasgadh Regeneration Company in Kingussie, Mull and Iona Community Trust and Sanday Community Craft Club.

Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said:

“These successful projects announced today are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities. Knoydart Foundation for example, will be able to purchase a disused cottage and associated land near the village of Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula to provide three affordable homes, business units and as well as for agricultural use, all of which are vital for future development of the area. Ownership will give these communities greater control over important assets and will help ensure their long-term future. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.”

John Watt, Chair, Scottish Land Fund Committee, said: 

“The wide range of groups across urban and rural Scotland who are sharing in £3,660,370 of funding are now in a unique position to take control of land and property assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come.

Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said: “The coronavirus pandemic has continued to set us all unprecedented challenges throughout 2020, acutely affecting local communities right across Scotland, and beyond.

“But despite these challenges – in fact, because of them - communities up and down the country are playing an increasingly vital role in maintaining and building our resilience, our spirit and local support networks.

“I commend the latest recipients of Scottish Land Fund grants for driving forward plans to support and enhance their local areas  as part of our Green recovery, in what are clearly difficult circumstances. I am particularly pleased that, through what is the final round of funding for this year, the Scottish Land Fund is supporting such a high number of unique and diverse projects, and I look forward to these projects delivering on their ambitions in the new year.”

The full list of SLF awards is available on the National Lottery Community Fund news page.