A definitive new book on the history and impact of community land ownership in Scotland was launched on 14th March 2012, at the annual Community Land Scotland conference.

'From the Low Tide of the Sea to the Highest Mountain Tops' has been written by Professor Jim Hunter and is published by the Island Book Trust. 

The Carnegie UK Trust commissioned Professor Hunter to carry out the research which informed the book, and commissioned Cailean MacLean to produce a series of photographs to illustrate the book. The Trust has also provided support for the publication of the book.   

'From the Low Tide...' tells the remarkable story of how more than half a million acres of land in Scotland have been taken into community ownership in Scotland over the past 20 years. It provides an accessible and authoritative, but non-academic, overview of the implications and impact of land reform in Scotland over the past two decades. 

The acquisition and development of assets by local communities acquired remains a critical public policy issue across the UK. Many communities are involved in buying land or considering buying land.  The policy fits with the growing agenda of communities and individuals taking responsibility and not seeking entitlements.  Issues being tackled in the context of community land ownership include renewable energy generation, local food production, local service delivery, access to digital technology, sustainable tourism, housing and social cohesion.

A reception to support the launch of the book is being held at the Scottish Parliament in April, and a similar event at Westminster is being planned for later in the year.

For more information on this project please contact Douglas White, Senior Policy Officer.