This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Crofting community right to buy consultation
16/12/2003
A consultation was launched today on measures to bring forward the new crofting community right to buy arrangements which form part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
The crofting community right to buy redresses the balance between crofting communities and their landlords to the benefit of the crofting community.
These draft regulations published for consultation set out the procedures and forms to be used in conducting ballots, specify the form of applications, set out arrangements for claiming compensation and make arrangements to pay grants towards compensation liabilities.
Deputy Rural Development Minister Allan Wilson said:
"The Land Reform Act paves the way for a new and secure future for crofting communities in Scotland. The crofting community right to buy redresses the balance between crofting communities and their landlords to the benefit of the crofting community.
"It enshrines the rights for communities to buy land on which they depend and plan their futures. Communities may wish to continue their relationship with responsible landlords. However, the Act provides a sanction where the communities interests are not adequately recognised.
"The Act is already encouraging people across the Highlands and Islands to consider the benefits of community ownership. Some communities - such as South Uist - have taken this a step further and started discussions on a buy-out as a result of the new legislation.
"With greater security , successive generations can look forward to a more prosperous future in our crofting communities."
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 23 January and received Royal Assent on 25 February 2003. As well as giving crofting communities the right to acquire and control the croft land where they live and work, the Act also provides an opportunity for other communities to register an interest in and then buy rural land when it comes to be sold and provides for public access to rural land.
Preparation of these regulations is the final phase in the process leading to commencement of the provisions of Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act relating to the Crofting Community Right to Buy. They set the framework for ballots, the application process and dealing with compensation claims.
The consultation period runs for 12 weeks to 9 March 2004. It is expected that the regulations will be laid following the end of that consultation period and come into force 21 days after they are laid. Commencement of the relevant provisions of the Act will be timed to coincide with the date the regulations come into force. It is expected that the commencement date will be in April 2004.