A Highland MP has criticised the way land is owned and used in Wester Ross.

The Applecross Trust owns 61,000 acres of land and has refused to open up its membership to the public.

Six landowners run the Trust and live on the land.

MP Charles Kennedy wrote a letter to Applecross, suggesting locals be given a say in how the land is managed.

"Many of those applying, including myself, have only the best interests of Applecross and its people in mind, and a greater connection to the peninsula than many of the trustees,” he said.

"I believe that the interests of local communities are best served by locals having a say in the management and running of their area."


The Trust says it has "respectfully refused" the call from land reform campaigners, politicians and members of the public.

Although Mr Kennedy acknowledged the trust had consulted the local community during numerous applications, he said there were few details on agreements between the Trust and the community.

Campaign group Land Action Scotland has encouraged people to submit applications for membership to the Trust, as a means to place the estate in community control.

Trust administrator Archie MacLellan told BBC Scotland: "The trustees are all people who have had very long connections with Applecross, and are familiar with Applecross and the way it works.

"The people who have applied, on the face of it, don't appear to have any connection, or a particular connection, with Applecross.

"It is a campaign with political basis which has no real interest, or care, for Applecross as such. It is more of a land reform package by the back door."

Andy Wightman, of Land Action Scotland, said Applecross was fragile and vulnerable.

He said: "It needs substantial investment. It needs more people living there and needs to increase the school roll.

"As long as this vast area of land is owned by a tiny number of people who don't even live there and come to visit to do a bit of shooting, I don't think the prospects are very good."

(IT/GK)