Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is delighted by the news that people living in the Invergarry area of Lochaber have voted in favour of buying 74 acres of woodland, with 89% of those balloted declaring their support for the community buy-out.

Commenting on this Mr Thompson said, “The Scottish Government is committed to on-going land-reform and Glengarry being able to take advantage of this exciting opportunity for community purchase is another successful example of this”.

The site has been valued at £200,000 and will require funding to help take forward the application with Forestry Commission Scotland, which is to be submitted to the Commission on the 12th of August. Already, suggestions have been coming in from locals as to how best the land should be utilised, such as the possibility of a skate park, arts and craft units, biking centres and more.

Dave went on, “Having already written to Glengarry Community Woodland offering my support, it is pleasing to see that the ballot has resulted in such a resounding success and I hope that this result will encourage interested financial backers to assist with the community project”.

He concluded, “The purchase of this woodland will be a massive boost to the whole community as it will create jobs, enjoyment and renewed interest in the area”.

Notes:

Link to Glengarry Community Woodland: http://www.glengarry.org.uk/

Dave’s letter to Jon Fleming of Glengarry Community Woodland:

Mr Jon P Fleming

15 July 2014

Our Ref: DT/DD/545/14/228900

Dear Jon

Prospective Purchase of Woodland

Thank you for your email regarding the possible purchase of woodland from the Forestry Commission. The purchase of this woodland is to be supported as it would be a definite boost to the local and wider community. As you stated there is also the possibility of woodland activity for workers and the prospect of bringing employment to the local area is one to be fully supported.

I am very happy to lend my support to the community in your bid to raise the funding necessary to make this purchase.

I hope that this is helpful to you. Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Yours sincerely

Dave Thompson MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch (SNP)