Call to hand over Inverness field to community despite rejection from Scottish Government
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A community group in Inverness is calling on the Scottish Government to reverse a decision that could block their plans to protect a swathe of green space in the city.
Knocknagael Ltd is planning to create allotments, an orchard, community growing areas and paths on a large field that is part of a bull stud farm owned by the government.
An application for a Community Asset Transfer was rejected by ministers this summer, who stated that the land for the proposed Knocknagael Green Hub was “integral” to the operation of the farm and that handing it over to the community group would increase costs to crofters who hire bulls from the farm at a subsidised rate.
The refusal also stated that, in the longer term, the location would provide wider public benefit and better value for money if it was used for housing, with allotments on an alternative site.
However, Knocknagael Ltd has hit out at the decision and questioned the transparency of the process.
Maria de la Torre, chairwoman of the group, said there were no similar sites in Inverness and that demand for the project was high. She said they have also been encouraged by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to apply for a Scottish Land Fund stage two grant to help purchase the land from the government.
“We are very optimistic that it will come to fruition because we know that there’s a huge demand for it and the signals we’re getting from the Land Fund are that it’s seen as a good project, so we know we’re on the right track,” she said.
“The appeal could take months but what we’re saying is it’s in the hands of the Scottish Government – they don’t have to wait for the appeal, they could make it available earlier. So we are making a call to the MSPs to say, look, this could happen at any point, it’s in your hands to make it happen sooner.”
The group has a list of more than 165 people who want an allotment on the site and received more than 340 responses to a public consultation it undertook in 2020, despite Covid restrictions at the time, with 98 per cent of respondents agreeing it would help their wellbeing.
More than eight social and health charities want to use the site for wellbeing events and outdoor classroom initiatives, while nearby Inverness Royal Academy wants access for its rural skills course, according to Knocknagael Ltd.
Earlier this month, Holyrood’s local government, housing and planning committee published a report outlining a significant unmet demand for allotments and growing spaces across Scotland. The report highlights the benefits that access to land for growing can have on people’s health, the environment, food security, and on communities.
Despite positive developments since the Community Empowerment Act came into force, the committee found that further action is needed if the ambitions contained in it are to be met.
The committee’s recommendations include tackling the complexity of existing rights for community asset transfers, which were created to enable the transfer of property and land to community groups.
Related news
- Dozens back proposals to protect green space on edge of Inverness
- MSP wants Scottish Government consultation on the Knocknagael Green Hub proposal
Highlands and Islands Green MSP Ariane Burgess, who chairs the local government, housing and planning committee, said: “The lack of a support from the Scottish Government over Knocknagael’s request for an assest transfer was a devastating blow. Their vision for community growing spaces, including allotments on the Smiddy Field, is well thought out and much needed.
“It would be a shame for the Scottish Government to miss this opportunity to demonstrate leadership in community empowerment. I’d welcome the Scottish Government looking again at the decision around the Smiddy Field and giving Knocknagael the opportunity to realise this much in-demand vision.”
Inverness SNP MP Drew Hendry said: “The Knocknagael Green Hub group have put together an ambitious and attractive plan for the use of the site that puts community at the heart of the development.
“I’ve met with them several times and have been impressed with their dedication and perseverance.
“I am glad the proposal is being reviewed, and I hope careful consideration will be given to all the fantastic environmental and community objectives in each element of the plan. I will keep working with the team to highlight the benefits of the proposal to ensure the best chance of a positive outcome.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The review is under way and the Scottish Government is unable to comment until all parts of the process have been completed.”
