New members sought for community transfer advisory panel

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is looking for five new panel members to help oversee the process.

CATS enables community bodies to take on ownership or lease of public land or buildings on Scotland’s national forest and land, where the community can make better use of the asset for their own benefit.

To date, 17 successful asset transfer requests have been completed, with six more approved, including two land leases for community hydro, which are now under construction.

Panel members provide independent and impartial advice to FLS on applications to CATS, and help to evaluate the benefits and impacts of requests.

As well as attending CATS Evaluation Panel meetings up to four times a year, members may also be asked to undertake site visits.

Simon Hodgson, FLS chief executive, said: “This is a great opportunity to take on an advisory role in furthering community empowerment and is open to enthusiastic, diverse and talented people – professional or non-professional - from across Scotland who have experience in either forestry, economics or communities work.

“If you think you can make a positive contribution to the delivery of CATS, I encourage you to apply.”

Ideal candidates should be able to offer experience in one or more of: land management; rural development; forestry; sustainable development; renewable energy; community development; business planning and financial management; housing; land reform; conservation.

Panel members are initially appointed for three years (with the possibility of re-appointment) and will be required for up to 10 days per year, for which a daily fee of £250 and reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Requests for information packs and applications – via CV And covering letter – should be submitted to [email protected]

Anyone looking to discuss the opportunity in more detail can contact Community Asset Transfer Manager Rebecca Carr on [email protected] The closing date is May 17.