Land Ownership & Initial Contact with Estate Representatives
As part of the Lochcarron Regeneration Group’s work to explore improvements to the playpark and surrounding community spaces, we have begun the process of identifying and understanding the ownership of land in and around Battery Park.
Understanding land ownership is an important early step for any community project. It ensures that discussions about potential improvements are carried out respectfully and with the correct parties.
Initial Contact
In early February we were put in contact with John Pattinson, who is assisting with matters relating to the estate that includes land around the playpark and shinty field.
John explained that the estate is currently undergoing an executor process, and that this work will take some time to complete. During this period, the executors are not making any commitments regarding land discussions or potential sales.
However, they are maintaining a list of interested parties who may wish to discuss land matters once the executor process is complete.
We were invited to provide some background on the Lochcarron Regeneration Group so that they could better understand our role and community mandate.
Our Response
In response, we outlined the purpose and current stage of the project.
The Lochcarron Regeneration Group is a community-led initiative focused on improving local amenities and public spaces in and around Lochcarron.
Our immediate area of interest includes:
- the existing playpark
- the toddler play area
- surrounding green space and woodland
- access routes used by families and visitors
The goal is to explore how these spaces might be improved in ways that benefit the whole community — from young children to older residents.
At this stage, the group is still formalising its structure and governance, which we expect to complete shortly. Once this process is finalised, we will be able to share details of the group’s officers, governance arrangements, and community mandate.
Our contact with the estate representatives was simply to open a line of communication, understand the process involved, and ensure that any future community aspirations can be explored transparently and respectfully.
Current Position
The estate representatives have confirmed that:
- The executor process is ongoing and may take some time.
- No commitments or discussions about land will take place until that process is complete.
- Several parties have expressed interest in land discussions across the estate.
- Lochcarron Regeneration Group has been noted as an interested party in relation to the existing community recreation areas.
We have also been advised that if any decisions are made by the executors regarding the land behind the shinty pitch, we will be kept informed.
Next Steps
For now, the focus of Lochcarron Regeneration remains on:
- formalising the group’s structure
- engaging with the community
- developing ideas for improvements to the playpark and surrounding spaces
As and when further information becomes available regarding land ownership or discussions, we will continue to keep the community informed through updates.
Why Land Ownership Matters for Community Projects
Community projects often involve land that is owned or managed by different organisations or individuals. Understanding who owns land — and what permissions are required — is an important early step in any regeneration project.
For the Lochcarron playpark and wider Battery Park area, this process helps ensure that improvements are developed responsibly and with the support of all relevant stakeholders.
Understanding land ownership helps the project to:
🏞 Ensure improvements are legally possible
Before any new equipment, paths, or facilities can be installed, the correct permissions must be obtained from the landowner.
🤝 Work collaboratively with landowners
Many successful community projects are delivered through partnerships between communities, landowners, and public bodies.
💰 Access funding opportunities
Many grant programmes require clear evidence of land ownership or landowner permission before funding can be awarded.
📋 Plan responsibly for the future
Clarifying ownership early helps avoid delays later in the project and ensures that improvements can be maintained long-term.
For this reason, establishing communication with the relevant estate representatives was an important early step in the Lochcarron Regeneration project.
As the project progresses, we will continue to keep the community informed about any developments.
