Emma Roddick MSP: Community must have say in Sleat future

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has pressed the Scottish Government today on the reported sale of the majority of Sleat peninsula, including Armadale Castle, in Skye.

The isles representative has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform, Mairi Gougeon, outlining the situation and asking her to convene a meeting of relevant stakeholders to discuss next steps.

The peninsula was placed on the market last week to the dismay of many locals who have called to be given more time to consider their options.

The Highlands and Islands MSP said:

“I am deeply concerned about the sale of Sleat – it is vital that locals get the time and opportunity to consider their options.

“This is yet another example of why further progress on land reform is desperately needed, and needed soon – it should be a given that communities get the chance and any available support to purchase land when it enters the market.

“While I will be looking at options to strengthen the forthcoming Land Reform Bill, I am also keen to help the community in Sleat any way I can now.

“The community knows better than anyone else how best to use the land around them and I hope that something can be worked out to ensure they get that say.”