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Forestry News Press & Publicity Projects Stronafian

Michael Russell MSP welcomes our successful ballot

SNP Parliamentary Candidate for Argyll & Bute, Michael Russell MSP – who lives in Glendaruel –  has given a warm welcome to the vote by local residents which will start the process of community purchase for the Stronafian Forest by the Colintraive and Glendaruel Community Trust.

Mr Russell said:

“As a former Environment Minister as well as a Member of the Trust  I am a strong supporter of community land purchase and particularly the purchase of forests and woodlands by communities.     The ambitious plan by Colintraive and Glendaruel Community Trust to seek to acquire Stronafian Forest and use it as a community resource shows a positive belief by that community in a better and more secure and sustainable  future for the community.   I am therefore delighted that the local ballot of residents has resulted in two thirds backing the plan.

“The community now have 18 months to raise the necessary finance and put in place a sustainable business plan for the forest.   There are a lot of good ideas around and some very positive models elsewhere in Argyll to look at, including the North Mull Forest and the newly purchased woodlands at Kilfinan and on Bute.

“There will be much hard work ahead, but this vote is a vital and very commendable next step in the process.   I am sure the community will get every help and encouragement from the Forestry Commission and from other public bodies as the plans  develop as well as from local business and from local elected representatives.”

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Forestry News Projects Stronafian

The ‘Big Yes’ Poster

Put up on all the noticeboards in Colintraive and Glendaruel today:

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Forestry News Projects Stronafian

It’s a very big YES!

We’re thrilled to announce that the community voted to purchase Stronafian Forest. We’re delighted with this, and have just issued a press release.

Here’s the confirmation of the result as issued by returning officer Shirley MacLeod:

Once we have a positive determination from the NFLS Panel and the Forestry Commission, the work of raising the funds for the purchase will begin. This is a great opportunity for our community and could ensure a sustainable future.

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Forestry News Projects Stronafian

Come along to the count!

We’re beginning the count at 3pm on Friday 8th October. Shirley McLeod from the council is officiating and we expect to have a result within half an hour. The question is will the refreshments be coffee and tea or champagne?

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Forestry News Projects Stronafian

Executive Summary for Stronafian Forest Released!

Out today is the executive summary for the Stronafian Forest project that the community is currently voting on. Rhona is sending out a paper copy to everyone, with a covering note, but in the meantime, it is available here.

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Forestry News Projects Stronafian

The Ballot is reported on ForArgyll.com

Good to see we’re newsworthy!