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‘Overwhelming’ start to Grantown’s fund-raiser for legal battle over Square





A SQUARE GO: Locals are taking on Highland Council plans to charge for use of Common Good land in the Strathspey capital.
A SQUARE GO: Locals are taking on Highland Council plans to charge for use of Common Good land in the Strathspey capital.

A Strathspey campaign in a legal fight with Highland Council over plans to charge the public for use of Common Good land has been overwhelmed the response to its call for financial support.

“£1,500 raised in just one week - thank you Grantown!” the community council has posted.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by your incredible generosity!

“In just our first week, we've already raised over £1,500 toward our legal defence fund to protect The Square from mandatory event charges.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

FIGHTING: The community council and its supporters are aiming to raise £20k for legal fees.
FIGHTING: The community council and its supporters are aiming to raise £20k for legal fees.

“Each contribution, no matter the size, is a powerful statement about how much our community values The Square and the events that bring us together.”

The row emerged last year after the Highland Council announced it was seeking to appropriate the heritable subjects which form part of the Common Good of Grantown-on-Spey.

Pre-proof sessions have already taken place.

With the council aiming to change the Common Good property to allow for the introduction of mandatory charging for market pitches, events and stalls, the community council raised over 1000 signatures in opposition

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Last Sunday, we were at the The Cairngorms Farmers Market—one of the very events at risk—talking with community members about our case. The support and concern we heard reinforces just how important these gatherings are to Grantown's identity and economy.

“We still have a way to go to reach our goal for legal costs, but this amazing start gives us real hope. If you haven't had a chance to donate yet or know someone who might want to support our cause, please share our campaign!

“Together, we are making a difference. We'll keep fighting to ensure The Square remains the vibrant, accessible heart of our community for generations to come.”

Local councillors contend that all the money raised by charging for use of the Square would be invested in exclusively local purposes.

But the move to prevent the charges has won the support of local MSP Edward Mountain and Lord Reidhaven, grandson of the Countess of Seafield who originally gifted The Square to the town

The community council has engaged a local solicitor and advocate to defend their case. But it points out: “Regardless of the outcome, we will have substantial legal fees to settle.

“*Our goal is £20,000.”


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