Nature body delays land sell-off decision

Published on Tuesday 16 June 2009 22:45

SCOTTISH Natural Heritage has delayed a decision on whether to sell off up to a fifth of its land.

SNH is considering selling up to 7,800 hectares of the 35,800 hectares of land in its care across the country.

It believes that, due to a lack of resources, some of this land – such as Loch Leven, Rannoch Moor, and parts of Beinn Eighe and Rum, could be better managed by alternative owners.

It has drawn up a list of 26 areas it may consider selling or transferring to the management of local authorities, private landowners or charities.

Some, such as parts of Beinn Eighe, could be put to better use for crofts, it believes.

Yesterday board members voted to put on hold any decision on the draft policy on land ownership for about three months, while more information was gathered.

SNH has emphasised that selling this land would not significantly reduce operating costs.

Profits from sales would be passed back to the Scottish Government, or would result in a reduction in funds.

Sarah Boyack, Labour's shadow environment secretary, said the plan had "come out of left field".

"This is worryingly similar to the SNP government's failed attempt to sell off part of the forest estate," she said. "It is crucial that the management of some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes is not compromised."

Jonathan Hughes, of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said it would be "a sad day" if areas were sold to "unsympathetic owners".