Does our Community want to buy 5000 acres of hill land?
The Land Leckmelm Hill, (shown on Savills map below) is being sold on the open market. Access is through the neighbouring land, Leckmelm Estate, up a steep track and is limited to 4 wheel drive vehicles.
The Potential for the Community
How the land is used could create more local jobs and training opportunities, activities could include walking, cycling and pony trekking. Income could be generated from: agriculture, deer and forest management and a possible hydro scheme. It is an area of cultural heritage having been a focus for change at the end of the Highland Clearances.
Ullapool Community Trust’s involvement.
This community asked UCT to increase social, economic and environmental sustainability for the people of this area. In view of this, when the land went on the market, the board of UCT agreed to ask if the community would consider buying it and to begin to investigate potential benefits.
What has UCT done so far?
We have written to the current owner asking for time to consult the community. If they agree to this and there is enough community interest, UCT would begin to develop a project towards purchasing the land. We have had conversations with the owner of neighbouring Leckmelm Estate, Lucy Beattie, who has indicated that she would be supportive should a community proposal be successful. We have also spoken to funders and know that developing a project will take some time. There is no opportunity for a community right to buy* as the land is already on the market. Individuals or organisations may successfully offer to buy in the meantime and our opportunity could be lost.
Funding
If the £600,000 asking price is burning a community shaped hole in your pocket then please get in touch! Failing that there are a number of organisations we can ask for assistance, including the Scottish Land Fund. Community fundraising will also be important to show strong local support.
Whatnext?
What do you think? Your views are important so please let us know your thoughts
Please let us have your views by end of July at the latest
map of the site from Savills Edinburgh (selling agent)
*Community Right to Buy forms part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and applications from community groups must be submitted before land or buildings are offered to the open market. www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2003/2/contents
Our vision: “By 2020 we will be a more self-reliant, sustainable and self-sufficient community where people of all ages and backgrounds, in this and in future generations can achieve their potential and enjoy a satisfying quality of life.”
Welcome to the website of Ullapool Community Trust. We are a development trust covering the area from Elphin to Gruinard in the North West Highlands of Scotland. Our activity focuses on the priorities areas which were identified in our Community Growth Plan, which was produced following consultation with local people.
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Does our Community want to buy 5000 acres of hill land?
The Land
Leckmelm Hill, (shown on Savills map below) is being sold on the open market. Access is through the neighbouring land, Leckmelm Estate, up a steep track and is limited to 4 wheel drive vehicles.
The Potential for the Community
How the land is used could create more local jobs and training opportunities, activities could include walking, cycling and pony trekking. Income could be generated from: agriculture, deer and forest management and a possible hydro scheme. It is an area of cultural heritage having been a focus for change at the end of the Highland Clearances.
Ullapool Community Trust’s involvement.
This community asked UCT to increase social, economic and environmental sustainability for the people of this area. In view of this, when the land went on the market, the board of UCT agreed to ask if the community would consider buying it and to begin to investigate potential benefits.
What has UCT done so far?
We have written to the current owner asking for time to consult the community. If they agree to this and there is enough community interest, UCT would begin to develop a project towards purchasing the land. We have had conversations with the owner of neighbouring Leckmelm Estate, Lucy Beattie, who has indicated that she would be supportive should a community proposal be successful. We have also spoken to funders and know that developing a project will take some time. There is no opportunity for a community right to buy* as the land is already on the market. Individuals or organisations may successfully offer to buy in the meantime and our opportunity could be lost.
Funding
If the £600,000 asking price is burning a community shaped hole in your pocket then please get in touch! Failing that there are a number of organisations we can ask for assistance, including the Scottish Land Fund. Community fundraising will also be important to show strong local support.
What next?
What do you think? Your views are important so please let us know your thoughts
Please complete this short Questionnaire
or tel: 01854 613 879, email sustain@ullapoolcommunity.org
Please let us have your views by end of July at the latest
map of the site from Savills Edinburgh (selling agent)
*Community Right to Buy forms part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and applications from community groups must be submitted before land or buildings are offered to the open market. www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2003/2/contents
Our vision: “By 2020 we will be a more self-reliant, sustainable and self-sufficient community where people of all ages and backgrounds, in this and in future generations can achieve their potential and enjoy a satisfying quality of life.”
Welcome to the website of Ullapool Community Trust. We are a development trust covering the area from Elphin to Gruinard in the North West Highlands of Scotland. Our activity focuses on the priorities areas which were identified in our Community Growth Plan, which was produced following consultation with local people.