Foreword

Andy Wightman

The publication of this third set of case studies is further evidence of the strength and diversity of the not-for-profit landowning sector in Scotland. Not only does it demonstrate new energy and initiative, but it also provides a valuable reminder that the current upsurge of interest in the topic is nothing new. It is merely the latest manifestation of a centuries-old belief that the land is for the people.

So it is welcome that the legacy of Gladstone and Lloyd George is drawn to our attention by the case study of Glendale Estate on the Isle of Skye. Glendale is seldom mentioned in discussions about community landownership these days, perhaps because it is perceived to be a failure. The model of a shareholding company owning crofting land has been rejected by recent crofting buyouts in favour of the company without share capital. Glendale, however, is no different from many community initiatives where individuals buy and sell their homes and move in and out of the community. Perhaps it is time to re-assess the Glendale experience.

The study of Forres reminds us of forms of communal property ownership (commonties and common good land funds) that pre-date the initiatives of the late nineteenth century. Much of the land held in these ways was lost in the past through appropriation by private interests and the ineptitude and corruption of municipal politics. It is part of the dismal story of landownership in Scotland, of which the latest manifestation is the Cuillin on Skye, the eastern part of which is almost certainly a Crown Common.

At a time when the Government is promoting the concept of community landownership through an ineffectual and dishonest piece of legislation, it is worth being reminded of this history of communal ownership and of the achievements of more radical legislation promoted by earlier governments. Although Government has been responsible for creating a decisive shift in public opinion and policy on the question of land reform, and deserves credit for doing so, it still lacks any sense of the bigger picture.

Whilst initiatives such as the Community Land Unit and the Scottish Land Fund are welcome and worthwhile, the land for the people - a landowning democracy - is still some way in the future. Meanwhile, as these case studies demonstrate, the citizens' sector gets on with what it does best - making a difference at the local level. It deserves great credit for its efforts.