Residents in one of Moray’s most rural and scenic areas are being encouraged to shape its future for generations to come.
Management for the Crown Estate will pass to the Scottish Parliament later this year as part of devolution arrangements.
The change has been hailed as unlocking development opportunities to create new businesses on the Glenlivet Estate.
A public meeting has now been arranged for residents to share their views on the potential benefits and problems that could arise from the new management arrangements.
Ron Hughes, chairman of the Kirkmichael and Tomintoul Community Association, said: “There are number of concerns within the community around governance of the Crown Estate going forward, some of which are focused around fishing and shooting which are very important to the local economy.
“This meeting will be a good opportunity for any concerns or ideas to be shared with our MSP and for people to find out more about how they can make their views heard.”
The Crown Estate already has plans to boost tourism to the 58,000-acre Glenlivet Estate with new holiday accommodation following the opening of bike trails. The management changes will also affect the 13,500-acre Fochabers Estate.
Local MSP Richard Lochhead is attending next week’s meeting and explained there was a “huge potential” for growth on the estates.
He said: “With the Glenlivet Estate and the Fochabers Estate, Moray has a major stake in the Crown Estate’s future and it is vital that people in our communities respond to the consultation on its management.
“Following discussions with constituents in Glenlivet and Tomintoul it was clear that there is real interest and strong views in the community on the future and management of the Crown Estate’s assets, including amongst local tenant farmers.”
The meeting takes place on Monday at 7pm in the Richmond Hall in Tomintoul.
A Scottish Government consultation about the changes will close on March 29.
