Despite having their initial application for a community buy-out of the local hotel refused, the community of Glenfarg remain optimistic that their attempt to secure the sustainability of their village will succeed.
Secretary of the Glenfarg Community Company, Kate Armstrong, said: “I will not use the word ‘battle’ as this implies conflict but we have certainly been challenged.
“However from day one the support of the community for the whole campaign has been phenomenal and we intend to continue, using whatever means possible, to ensure that Glenfarg doesn’t cease to be the vibrant and inclusive community we all know and love.”
In November 2015 the Glenfarg Hotel closed and the owner subsequently applied for change of use and conversion to flats. The application was refused by the council but this refusal was overturned by a Local Review Body panel of three councillors.
A bid for a community buy-out failed prompting cabinet secretary for the environment, climate change and land reform, Roseanna Cunningham to comment: “I understand that the local community will be disappointed by the decision not to enter this land in the Register of Community Interests.
“However, I hope that engaging with the community right to buy will bring positive benefits to the organisation.
“Going forward, I would urge the community to consider other options including applying for funding from our agents including the Scottish Land Fund and the Big Lottery or exploring whether there are any other suitable areas of land which may meet their needs.”
The inaugural AGM of the Glenfarg Community Company is being held in Arngask Church on Tuesday June 21 and the post-AGM meeting will be addressing the continuation of the application to register an interest in land under the provisions of the Land Reform Act, in addition to the continued legal examination of the Local Review Body process.
