Scottish Community Land Network

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This site is for people interested in the management and ownership of land-based assets by communities in Scotland. A Scottish Community Land Network, you might say... As you know the internet is a big 'place' with everything about anything so we aim to bring you relevant news and events, and provide opportunities to share ideas with other people interested in this subject. So far there are over 800 members, and more than 500 articles in our archive.

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Policy & Politics

Scotland’s hills and islands – where next?

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Details: Friday, 10 October 2008 16:30 Tamsin Morris Hits: 697

In September, the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Committee of Inquiry into the future of Scotland’s hills and islands published their report.

It included over sixty recommendations on a range of rural issues, such as changes to the Scotland Rural Development Programme; a new rationale for the future of post offices; increased broadband access in rural areas and more government support for the development of local community leadership. Perhaps most controversially, it also rejected the UK government view on the future of farm support. Inquiry Chairman, Professor Gavin McCrone said, "This independent inquiry arose from concerns at the decline in hill and island agriculture and the possible impact on rural communities. We reject the UK Government’s proposals to end direct support when the Common Agricultural Policy is reviewed in 2013. This would have a very damaging effect on natural heritage and on agriculture in the hills and islands and accelerate the present decline.’ But the next steps remain to be seen – will this report be heard and what action can we expect to see as a result of its recommendations?