At the Edge: Community Ownership, Climate Change and Energy in Scotland

A number of communities in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have bought the land on which they live, often transferring very large private estates into community ownership. Many of these communities have also invested in renewable energy projects. This paper explores how community ownership and management of land and renewable energy can help to deal with the challenge of climate change and encourage more sustainable development. In 2006 I completed a 1500km walk along the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland, linking Gaelic-speaking communities from Kerry to Lewis (Murphy 2009). This paper draws on this research and writing. I would like to thank Sarah Parry for her advice and Katharine Knox for supporting this work at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.