HPCLT inaugural meeting and objectives (March 2002)

Election of Trustees

The inaugural meeting of the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust (HPCLT) was held on 27th March at Moness Country Club in Aberfeldy, and chaired by Alec Cruickshank. The meeting was well attended and after short presentations by Innes Smith, Paul Jarvis and Colin Liddell, on the background and progress of the community land bid for Dùn Coillich, and of the constitution and objectives of the Trust, nominations for Trustees were invited from the floor. Eleven Trustees were duly appointed, these are:

Ms Ruth Atkinson
Mrs Beryl Coope
Mrs Marjorie Finlayson
Ms Julie Gardiner
Mr Bill Hoare
Mr Robin Hull
Prof. Paul Jarvis
Mr Hamish Nicholson
Mr Andrew Pointer
Dr Ian Riddell
Mr Innes Smith

Immediate objectives

Since the meeting on March 27th, the conveyancing of the Dùn Coillich land purchase has been concluded and the Trustees have met twice to discuss the next steps to be taken with regard to the future management of the land and the wider aims of the Trust. The key short term objectives for HPCLT and for Dùn Coillich are to:

• to continue fund-raising to enable future land management objectives
• to convene a sub-committee to take forward the longer term management of Dùn Coillich - anyone interested should contact Innes Smith (Tel. 01796 481394) or Beryl Coope (Tel. 01882 634224) or email us.
• secure a safer access to the land for vehicles
• to appraise the existing Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) and consult with Forestry Commission (FC) regarding possible amendments
• to undertake a baseline flora and fauna survey (the Trust can provide maps and guidance to assist in data collection). Any other information people may have about the hill (e.g. geology, archaeology, social or agricultural history) is also welcome - please contact Robin Hull (Tel. 01887 840380) or email us if you would like to help with the survey or know of anything which may be of interest.
• to collate and analyse survey data so it can be used as a framework for future management and educational objectives.

The purchase of Dùn Coillich has been made possible entirely by generous contributions, both large and small, all from within our community. There have also been many offers of practical help and support for the project. The Trustees would like to thank all who have given support to this community initiative. The purchase of the land is however, only the first step, and anyone who wishes to help with practical skills - for example with surveys/fencing/fund-raising - can do so by contacting Trustees or by sending an email. We would also welcome any ideas for fund-raising events.

Membership and how to join

The Trust welcomes new members - see Membership for more information.