Forbes backs calls for increased awareness of community asset transfers in Highlands
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Kate Forbes MSP has backed calls for increased awareness in the Highlands about the process for community asset transfers following a review of part of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.
Since taking effect in early 2017 there have been a number of transfers in the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency, including the courts and pavilion at Kingussie Tennis Club, and nationally last year (2018/19) 48 out of 81 requests were granted, compared with 33 out of 58 requests in 2017/18.
Various purposes were listed, including affordable housing, public toilets, multi-purpose hubs, sport facilities and community parks/woodland.
Glasgow Caledonian University researchers – who conducted the review – also recommended that local authorities identify a “key contact person… who understands the Act as well as community engagement and participation, would help to speed up processes” as well as “drive culture change in relevant authorities”.
Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 gives community transfer bodies the right to request to buy or lease assets from relevant authorities.
Ms Forbes said: “So many Highland communities have demonstrated the benefits of community ownership – taking control of key local assets to shape their future.
“A lot of hard work and effort, usually instigated and driven by a small group of volunteers, goes into making a success of it.
“In many cases, where it is public land, the public body can make a big difference to how straightforward and simple the process is.
“I think there is a responsibility on all of us to consider whether community ownership might make a difference, particularly in more rural areas that face the pressing issue of depopulation.”
