Plans for the Findhorn Village Conservation Company to progress with a community buyout of part of the Novar Estate Holdings, have been boosted with financial assistance from the Scottish Land Fund.

Some £520,000 has been set aside which will help the community move one step close to owning the holdings. This includes 61 hectares of amenity land in the village of Findhorn, as well as 800 hectares of the foreshore and intertidal land adjacent to the village.


Confirming the funding, John Watt, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair, said: "I am delighted that the Scottish Land Fund is helping the people of Findhorn move closer to their goal of community ownership. Initiatives like this give local people greater control of their own futures which also benefit future generations.

"I wish The Findhorn Village Conservation Company every success as they go onto the secure the final funding required to make their dream a reality."

Peter Hall, Chairman of The Findhorn Village Conservation Company, added: "The Company is delighted with this award. This is an exciting project for the residents of Findhorn Village. Owning and managing the land and foreshore will give community empowerment to the people of Findhorn.

"This will provide opportunities to both enhance and safeguard our unique environment for the benefit of all."

(JP/MH)