Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the new Scottish Government target of 1 million acres to be in community ownership by 2020. The new target was announced by the First Minister in a speech to the Community Land Scotland Conference at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye.

Dave, who was at the event, has consulted with the residents on Raasay about the possibility of community ownership.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I was delighted to hear the First Ministers remarks on the issue of community ownership, and I agree with him that this is a huge opportunity to change the relationship between people and our land.

“I am pleased that in addition to the target of one million acres, the Scottish Government has confirmed that an additional £3 million is being made available to the Scottish Land Fund to support more communities who are considering a buy-out.

“I look forward to seeing the draft legislation that will be brought forward to achieve this target.

“There are a number of success stories already in the Highlands and Islands where communities have successfully negotiated a buyout of their land, and if any communities in my constituency are interested in this I will support them in any way that I can.

“I believe that it is in the long term interests of our country to increase the amount of land directly owned by our communities, and I welcome this strong statement of intent from the Scottish Government.”