Representatives from Tarras Valley Nature Reserve shared the inspiring story of their community buyout with Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin MSP during a visit to Langholm.
Meeting with the Scottish Land Commission during its Board visit to the town, the Cabinet Secretary heard how local people have transformed community ownership into a long-term programme of environmental restoration, community benefit and economic opportunity through the development and management of the reserve.
The presentation provided a practical example of how land reform can support communities to take a leading role in shaping their own future, while delivering benefits for people, nature and the local economy.
Alongside hearing about the work at Tarras Valley, the Cabinet Secretary met with the Commission's Chair, Board, Chief Executive and senior management team to discuss the role land plays in delivering Scottish Government priorities and the Commission's work to support implementation of Scotland's land reform ambitions, including the measures set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act.
Scottish Land Commission Chair Michael Russell said:
"We were delighted to meet with the Cabinet Secretary and discuss the role land can play in shaping Scotland's future.
"Through our ScotLand Futures initiative, people from across Scotland told us they want land to deliver more for communities, the economy and the environment. It was encouraging to hear many of those same themes reflected in our discussions, particularly around transparency, opportunity and ensuring land delivers public value.
"Land reform is ultimately about helping Scotland make the most of one of its greatest assets, and we look forward to continuing that conversation with the Cabinet Secretary in the months ahead."
Chief Executive Hamish Trench said:
"The discussion highlighted the practical ways in which land policy connects to people's everyday lives, whether that's understanding who owns land, bringing vacant and derelict sites back into use, supporting community ambitions or improving relationships in the tenanted sector.
"The Commission works with communities, landowners, tenants and public bodies to help address these challenges, and we welcomed the opportunity to discuss how that experience can support the Scottish Government's priorities."
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin MSP said:
“I welcomed the discussion with the Scottish Land Commission on their work and the importance of ensuring our land delivers lasting community benefits.
It was also a real pleasure to visit Langholm and meet the people behind the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. Hearing first-hand how the community has come together to take ownership of the land and deliver benefits for the community, nature, the local economy and future generations was genuinely inspiring.”
Angela Williams, Development Manager for Tarras Valley Nature Reserve said:
“We were really pleased to welcome the Scottish Land Commission team and Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs to Langholm to hear about our work in developing the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. It was great to be able to present the story of the work to date and our aspirations for the future.”
Following the Cabinet Secretary's visit, the Commission's Board also heard from Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise, who outlined the organisation's work to support sustainable regional development through its focus on environment, community and economy. Discussions highlighted the importance of STEM skills, inward investment and emerging opportunities across the South of Scotland.
