Scotland's land reform legislation is ensuring the long-term sustainability of communities the length and breadth of the country.

More than 60 communities bodies have submitted over 112 applications to purchase land and almost 80 applications have been approved since the Land Reform Bill was passed in 2004.

Successful community buy-outs include:

* Comrie in Perthshire where a disused prisoner of war camp has been used to provide allotments, playing fields, storage and business units.

* Silver burn in Midlothian where a disused water tank has been turned into a community centre.

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* Neilson in Renfrewshire where a former bank is now a community hub.

Speaking during a conference on land reform hosted by Highland Council, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "Community buyouts of land and other assets have played a central role in empowering and creating long term sustainability for communities throughout Scotland.

"Having the ability to direct their own future has promoted community confidence, developed participation and cohesion as well as ensuring a sense of pride and long term sustainability.

"While the legislation has been successful so far, it is important that we maintain an open dialogue. We must consider lessons learned and whether new approaches should be adopted."

Ms Cunningham added that the issue of funding of community buyouts of land has been a hot topic in recent months and I would urge communities to take a creative approach.

"While the Big Lottery is the largest funder it is not the only one. Using a number of different funders to secure land is a very successful one which more should consider,"

she said.

(GK/BMcC)