Rural communities to benefit from Land Fund

25 Jan 2000

Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson today said that the £10.78 million available under the Scottish Land Fund would help rural communities to acquire and regenerate land for the use and benefit of local people.

Commenting on the Scottish Land Fund, which has been established as part of the Government’s New Opportunities Fund, Brian Wilson said:

"This is great news for people in local communities who will be able, for the first time, to access a specific Land Fund to help in buying, managing or developing their local land. It shows again the benefits of partnership between the UK Government and the Scottish Government.

"The New Opportunities Fund initiative complements the community right to buy proposals consulted on since the General Election and now being taken forward by the Scottish Government. This fund is an essential piece in the land reform jigsaw.

"I encourage appropriate people to come forward in response to this advertisement for applicants to become members of the Scottish Land Fund Committee, which will advise on applications."

1. The New Opportunities Fund distributes National Lottery money to health, education and environment projects across the UK.
2. The Scottish Land Fund is part of the New Opportunities Fund's wider environment programme, Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities, through which a total of £14.38 million is being allocated to Scotland. the Land Fund represents 75% of this allocation.
3. Under the devolution settlement, decisions as to the good causes to be supported through Lottery Funds are taken by the UK Government in consultation with the devolved administrations.
4. Media can obtain further details of the Scottish Land Fund by contacting the New Opportunities Fund on 0171 211 1888 or 0141 242 7800.