A Moray village is to receive well over half a million pounds to help with its bid to buy out 61 acres of amenity land and foreshore.
The Findhorn Village Conservation Company (FVCC) will be handed £520,000 from the Scottish Land Fund, allowing them to acquire part of the Novar Estate Holdings and representing 90% of the asking price of £575,000.
Chairman of the FVCC, Peter Hall, said: “This is an exciting project for the residents of Findhorn. Owning and managing the land and foreshore will give community empowerment to the people.
“This will provide opportunities to both enhance and safeguard our unique environment for the benefit of all.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead last night said that the funding provided a “fantastic opportunity” for Findhorn residents. He said: “I’m delighted that the Findhorn Village Conservation Company has been awarded this funding, which will allow them to bring the land and the foreshore into community ownership.
“This is great news for the community of Findhorn, and the residents now have a fantastic opportunity to further enhance what is already a unique and special part of Moray.
“Having met some of the people involved in the community purchase, I know how hard they’ve worked to get to this point, and I’m very much looking forward to hearing more about their plans for the future.”
The Scottish Land Fund committee chairman, John Watt, added that the initiative would give people in the village greater control over their own futures. He said: “I wish them every success as they go on to secure the final funding required to make their dream a reality.”