Review panel will visit Smiddy Field at Knocknagael to decide appeal over community asset transfer
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Campaigners behind plans to transform a green space in a sprawling part of Inverness are hoping a refusal to sell them government land will be overturned.
An independent panel has now been selected to look into a decision to refuse a community asset transfer of the Smiddy Field at Knocknagael Bull Stud Farm.
The farm is part of a Scottish Government-led scheme, which rents bulls to crofters across the Highlands and Islands.
An application for the transfer of an 8.28-hectare field on the farm to the Knocknagael community group was refused earlier this year on the basis that it was "essential" to the operation of the scheme.
Knocknagael Limited wants to use the space for allotments, a community orchard, areas for walking and recreation and polytunnels and other growing areas for community food production.
Tom Arthur, minister for public finance, planning, and community wealth, has written to Maria de la Torre, the community group's chairwoman, to confirm that the decision is being reviewed and that a three-person panel will report to ministers within six months.
The panel is made up of retired civil servant Paul Cackette, a former chief planning reporter to the Scottish Government, ecologist and forester Judith Webb and Russell Smith, a crofter based near Bonar Bridge who is a director of the Scottish Crofting Federation.
Ms de la Torre said: "We are optimistic about the appeal review process because of the range of experience of the panel and we think the merits of the case will be properly considered this time.
"The other reason we've remained positive is that the community benefits of the project are huge, and these have been demonstrated in the case we've put across. The project meets so many Scottish Government policies and targets in terms of improving health and wellbeing, providing local food, contributing to education, and in particular the government's own targets to increase the number of assets in community ownership.
"We know there is also huge public support for the project, so we're pleased that the review is finally under way."
The panel will undertake a site visit in the new year and a hearing will take place in the Inverness area to decide the outcome of the appeal.
Highlands and Islands Green MSP Ariane Burgess said: "I was very pleased to read the minister’s letter confirming the panel for the asset transfer review for Smiddy Field. Having been working with the community group for some time, I have been happy to offer assurance about the independence and expertise of the panel including as it does members with expertise in forestry, crofting and planning.
"I will look forward to reading the outcome of their deliberations in the summer. In the meantime, I know Knocknagael are continuing to fundraise for their essential work and making the case for more community growing spaces in Inverness."
