In Wales, land is one of the biggest obstacles to natural living. In Scotland, it's even more difficult, as patterns of land ownership put the land in the hands of the wealthy few. However, land buy-outs are helping to give ordinary people access to land.

More info on the Carbeth Hutters of Scotland
http://www.carbethhuts.com

1920
Following an initiative by William Ferris and a Mr McMilan, 3 huts are erected on Carbeth Guthrie Estate. Ferris is a significant figure, becoming a vice-president of the Camping Club of Great Britain and Ireland, vice-chairman of the Scottish Council of Physical Recreation, Chairman of the Scottish Rights of Way Society, Scottish Ramblers Federation and members of the Scottish Tourist Board. A few people are allowed to camp in tents on certain other parts of Carbeth Guthrie Estate. Ferris assists Allan Barns-Graham with huts at Carbeth from 1920-43.

1927
5 huts are erected on the estate. At any one time in the 1920's, there are believed to be around a dozen campsites.

1929
Carbeth Swimming Pond or 'Lido" is developed.

1940
There are 106 huts on the Estate.

1947-48
Ground rental for 191 huts is recorded at: Lochwood (8 huts), Cuilts Road (58 huts), Drymen Road (18 huts), Clachan (11 huts), Carbeth Lower Hill (40 huts), Mid Hill (26 huts), Upper Hill (18 huts), South Boundary (6 huts) and Lochside (6 huts).

1997
Carbeth Hutters Association is formed.

2008
Carbeth Hutters Community Company is formed.

March 2013

Carbeth Community finally complete the community buy-out of their land, raising the last money with a loan from Triodos bank. Horay!

The total funding raised was  £1.75m.

 

Read a Guardian write up of their success here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/scotland-blog/2013/mar/20/scotland-carbeth-hutters-buyout?INTCMP=SRCH