Increased funding for local land ownership

Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon has announced a £1 million increase to the Scottish Land Fund -  a flagship scheme that helps communities take ownership of local land and buildings.

Ms Gougeon visited Granton Community Gardeners project, a previous recipient of support from the Fund.

She said:

“Since 2016, hundreds of local groups have benefited from the Scottish Land Fund. It allows people to buy land and buildings in their areas to puts the needs of their community first - helping to create jobs, mitigate climate change, and tackle social isolation and loneliness. It is only right that those that know what’s best for their area have a say in how local land and buildings are used.

“The Granton Community Gardeners have gone from strength to strength since their humble beginnings in 2010. The project is a prime example of what the power of community action can achieve and the positive impact that the group has had on their local area is inspirational.”

“We want more neighbourhoods to benefit from the opportunities that land ownership brings. This increase in funding will allow even more community groups to realise their ambitions and is part of our three key missions for Scotland: equality, opportunity and community.

“By 2026 the Scottish Land Fund will have doubled to £20 million and I would encourage any group with ideas about how the land and buildings around them could be improved to get in touch with the Scottish Land Fund.”

Chair of Community Land Scotland Ailsa Raeburn said:

“Community Land Scotland welcomes the news of the increase in the Scottish Land Fund. 

“Communities all across Scotland are ambitious for their local areas.  Since its introduction, the Fund has supported people from every type of community to buy land and buildings that are important to making their places better, to protect and develop local services and create new housing and jobs.

“Its increase will allow many more communities to access the Fund to take forward their own projects.”

Background

A total of £11 million in grants will be available through the Scottish Land Fund in 2023-24 for voluntary, community or public sector organisations to apply for support to buy land or land assets in urban and rural Scotland.

The Scottish Land Fund is administered jointly, on behalf of the Scottish Government, by the National Lottery Community Fund  and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

For information on how to apply contact the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland at advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or on 0300 123 7110