Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has reported another successful year of empowering communities through its Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS).
CATS allows local groups to gain ownership or lease of land, enabling them to shape its future to meet community needs.
Over the past nine months, FLS has received three new asset transfer requests, including woodland crofts and affordable housing at Ratagan and Saraig, a community woodland at Craigielands Wood in Beattock, and a community hub at Cairbaan.
Among these, the Cairbaan project has already been approved, alongside Balmacara Community Trust’s plans for Balmacara Campsite.
Additionally, FLS completed the transfer of Longrigg Wood to Sunart Community Company and handed over the Glenmore Visitor Centre to Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust.
Gavin Falconer, FLS’ Head of Estates and Renewables, highlighted the programme’s significance.
“CATS is an open invitation to communities to explore new ways of using Scotland’s forests and land to achieve their goals,” he said.
The scheme has helped communities establish businesses, boost tourism, create recreation opportunities, and build affordable housing and renewable energy projects.
Beyond asset transfers, FLS supports communities through events like Pitlochry’s Enchanted Forest, volunteering opportunities with community woodland groups, and collaborations with mountain bike trail associations.
It also fosters initiatives like local place plans, large-scale projects such as Cairngorms Connect and the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforests, and public consultations on land management.
“Asset transfers are just one of the many ways we collaborate with communities,” Gavin added.
“FLS currently supports around 90 community projects across the country, and with over 700 organisations engaged, the potential for growth is immense.”
Since its launch in 2017, CATS has handled 38 requests, completing 27 asset transfers to community groups.
These include 25 sales covering 680 hectares and two hydro leases, alongside smaller but equally significant transfers through direct sales.
One recent success saw the Lochgair Association acquire a hectare of land in their village to improve access to their refurbished hall.
Through CATS and other initiatives, FLS is helping communities across Scotland take charge of their futures, one piece of land at a time.
