Publication - FOI/EIR release

The sale of public land surrounding Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland: EIR release

Published: 12 September 2024
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector
FOI reference: FOI/202400404920
Date received: 15 March 2024
Date responded: 12 April 2024

Information request and response under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004

Information requested

Please provide evidence of community consultation, expressions of community support and advice which confirms the sale met relevant criteria outlined in the Public Finance Manual.

Response

As an organisation we agree - on a relatively frequent basis - private treaty sales for minor parcels of land (e.g. boundary adjustments with neighbouring land/property owners). In these cases, the requirement to notify stakeholders does not apply in this instance.

Further details about sales that are not notified can be found on our website: Buy land or buildings - Forestry and Land Scotland

The local community has been consulted on the three proposals put forward in the course of this process, which has resulted in the final sale being for a much smaller parcel of land than was initially proposed. As a result, the sale does fall within the scope of our minor property sales policy/procedure.

I have attached copies of the relevant community engagement as requested. I have also attached a copy of the Land Transaction Appraisal which outlines FLS consideration across the organisation of the potential issues, advantages and disadvantages of the sale and take into account all requirements outlined in the Public Finance Manual. Please note that these documents have been redacted in accordance with GDPR legislation.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.