…the blog and website of Andy Wightman
Happy New Year! The first blog of 2014 concerns the Kilngreen in Langholm and of how recent dealings raise concerns about the stewardship and governance of such an important area of community-owned land. It is a rather long blog but
Continue readingIn 1965, Educational Films of Scotland made fascinating film narrated by Scottish actor Moultrie Kelsall about the history of Grangemouth from 1750 to modern times (1965). Among the highlights of the film is the focus on the role of Grangemouth
Continue readingThe Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 was passed during the first Scottish Parliament. It codifies the kinds of restrictions or burdens that can be included in titles to land and property. Among them is something called a conservation burden that
Continue readingThe above photograph was taken earlier today (Saturday 10 August 2013) in Inverleith Park, Edinburgh. It shows members of the public queuing up to pay money to enter a part of the park that has been fenced off for a
Continue readingAlex Salmond gave an interview to BBC Alba at the Community Land conference on Skye on Friday (see previous post of today) in which he appeared to rule out the use of compulsory powers as part of any new measures
Continue readingYesterday in the UK Parliament, the Prime Minister confirmed that he would co-operate with the Scottish Affairs Select Committee to establish “who owns and controls the great landed estates in Scotland, in order that they can minimise both tax avoidance and
Continue readingScottish Ministers are 220 days late in making a decision as to whether to register an interest submitted by a community group Durness in relation to the Cape Wrath lighthouse. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 contains provision in Part
Continue readingToday the Scottish government has published a very welcome consultation paper (media release & consultation paper) on the future of allotments. The reform and modernisation of allotment legislation will form part of the forthcoming Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill and
Continue readingThe Mirror carries a report today (13 April 2013) that the house that Margaret Thatcher lived in for the past 20 years is “owned” by a company called Bakeland Property Company Ltd. registered in the British Virgin Islands. The story
Continue readingThe City of Edinburgh Council has advertised its intention to introduce a Private Bill to enable it to build a new Portobello High School on part of Portobello Park. This follows a meeting of the Council on 14th March which
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