SNH commitment to furthering community interests in Scotland

The move follows the Scottish Government’s publication of draft guidance for asset transfers under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act on 10 November.

SNH currently owns 35,500 hectares at sites throughout Scotland and leases a further 7,500 hectares of land. The organisation will now explore with communities and individuals the potential for transfer of land for public benefit, including as starter farm units.

Ian Ross, SNH chairman, welcomed the initiative and stressed the organisation had experience of transferring land and assets to communities, such as on the island of Rum.

“We are committed to working closely with local communities to share or hand over management and responsibilities for land where it could potentially be of greater value to that community. To do this, we will encourage communities to develop sound proposals for the sustainable management of this land,” he confirmed.

“In addition, we are working with the Scottish Government to identify opportunities for starter farm units on some areas of our land.

“This will build on our previous experience of helping people make the most of the land , for example, transferring parts of the island of Rum National Nature Reserve to the local community in 2009 and 2010. We have also been actively promoting opportunities to take on land that we own in the Outer Hebrides with the community body Storas Uibhist and on Shetland with the RSPB.

“We recognise that supporting community land ownership and empowerment is an increasingly important priority for the Scottish Government. We are keen to support those who express an interest in managing or owning land that we currently hold.”

SNH manages land for its nature and landscape interests and promotes public enjoyment. This contributes to delivering the Scottish Government’s priorities, particularly those aimed at maintaining and improving natural assets and improving health and well-being by connecting people with nature.

The Board paper is available on the SNH website at http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-snh/board-comm-and-mgt/board/board-meetings/document/?category_code=Board&topic_id=1708

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

SNH is a major public landowner in Scotland, and is committed to achieving the aims of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 towards greater community engagement in land management decisions. We also have the potential to contribute to achieving the Scottish Government’s target of one million acres of land in community ownership by 2020.

The organisation welcomes community involvement in management of land that its holds, either through ownership, lease, or a joint management arrangement.  SNH will therefore consider carefully any asset transfer request or participation request from a community body that includes sound proposals for the sustainable
management of the land it holds.

SNH’s core purpose:

• Secure the conservation and enhancement of nature and landscapes;

• Foster their understanding and facilitate their enjoyment;

• Promote their sustainable use and management