Land Reform...?

Extracts from Scottish Government web site page here

'A radical review of land reform will deliver a more successful Scotland with stronger communities and economic growth, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.

Speaking in Skye where a summer cabinet meeting was convened, Mr Salmond revealed details of a new Land Reform Review Group that will oversee a wide ranging review of land reform in Scotland.

Dr Alison Elliot, who has extensive experience working in the community and voluntary sector, will chair the group. She will be joined by Professor James Hunter and Dr Sarah Skerratt as vice chairpeople, who have experience of the Highlands and Islands and rural development.

A further 10 advisers – with expertise in areas such as property and land issues, economics, legal issues, community-led organisations, landownership, forestry and access – will also be appointed to the group shortly.

It is anticipated that the Land Reform Review Group will report in a series of stages to Scottish Ministers, providing consideration of what the outcomes of land reform should be and what reforms are required. By the end of 2013 the Scottish Government would expect a report on any legislative changes that are required to allow this to be taken forward.

...An 'Overview of Evidence on Land Reform in Scotland' research paper is published today. It surveyed all existing evidence relating to a number of aspects of land reform, and highlights a number of issues that are of particular relevance to the Land Reform Review. The report is available at: Overview of Evidence on Land Reform in Scotland

And from the Highland Council web site page here:

The Leader of The Highland Council, Drew Hendry, has welcomed news that the Scottish Government is to commission a review of land reform in Scotland.

Councillor Hendry said: “This is another very positive move by the Scottish Government to promote the future success of the Highlands and Scotland.  The Council’s Programme for the next five years focuses strongly on working together for the economy and working together for strong and safe communities so we are well placed to assist the review team in identifying the radical changes that the First Minister is seeking.”

Councillor Hendry was in Skye to meet with the First Minister ahead of the summer cabinet meeting in Portree on Tuesday.

He said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has once again chosen to hold a cabinet meeting in the Highlands, with Skye hosting a meeting for a second time.  This demonstrates the Scottish Government’s keen interest in our very special area.”

ASIDE:

I wonder how many HC elected members will be throwing their hats into the ring for the next Parliamentary elections?