Bute Community Land Company
Bute Community Land Company is a locally controlled and managed charitable organisation with over 400 members. In 2009, 93% of 2739 people (52% of the eligible population) voted in favour of purchasing the forest at the north end of the island. They wanted to see new jobs created and better recreational facilities developed for local people and to attract new visitors to the island. BCLC was formed to allow the community to purchase the forest and manage it as an asset for all.
The goal is to manage the Community Forest in a responsible and environmentally sensitive way, to increase environmental education and to enable greater access to the Forest by residents and visitors.
Bute Community Land Company created a subsidiary, Bute Forest Ltd, to manage the forest in 2010. Activities of BFL have ceased as the business model proved not to be viable. The directors of BCLC are seeking other ways of managing the forest. The Forest remains available to the members and the public.
The current directors of BCLC are as follows:
- Richard Whitcomb – Chairperson
- Peter Atkins
- Ruth Oliver
- Martin Catlin
- Don Murray
- Ian Baker
- Nadia Shaikh
- Peter McDonald
Meet Our Team
Richard moved to the Isle of Bute in 2010 with Andrea, who grew up here on this beautiful isle. An economic and social research consultant by profession, Richard became involved in the Community Forest as a Trustee in 2018, becoming Chair in 2020.
Richard is passionate about the Isle of Bute and has - over the years with his family - enjoyed the wide variety of landscapes and environments the island offers, from moorland, to beaches, hills to forest and woodland. A strong environmental enthusiast, Richard is keen to promote the ecology and habitats in the Community Forest, whilst making the Forest accessible to more island residents and visitors. Richard has successfully attracted a wide range of organisations to partner with the Community Forest in support of its objectives and aspirations.
Peter inherited an appreciation of the beauties of the West coast on childhood trips and holidays and now is never more at peace than among the trees or on the shore.
Since 2017 Peter and family have been making Bute their home and they have enjoyed discovering its places, with the ancient and evocative SSSI oak woodland being a family favourite. Having a passion for trees, wood and community ownership, Peter was keen to support Bute Forest and has enjoyed being part of it since 2019.
Ruth moved to the island permanently in January 2024. She became involved with the Community Forest in October 2024. Ruth is a retired Chartered Accountant who has experience in a wide range of businesses, latterly with Charities and has just finished working for the Scottish Civic Trust in Glasgow.
She is delighted to be involved with the Community Forest and looks forward to exciting times ahead with the various projects that are underway.
I have lived with my family on the Isle of Bute for many years and have a strong connection to its unique natural surroundings. From the diversity of the landscape, to enjoying recreation on an ever changing sea.
I have a background in horticulture and conservation management and I am passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment. I take particular pride in supporting the community forest and encouraging others to explore and enjoy its beauty.
My life and work reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, community, wellbeing, and supporting access to the outdoors for all to enjoy our shared natural landscapes.
Don has been coming and going from Bute since 1991, usually with muddy boots, starting as a gardener at Mount Stuart and later returning as Head of Horticulture and Landscapes.
Don is presently living off-island (in Southwest Wales) and makes trips to Bute as often as he can. He’s passionate about tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis and is excited to help Bute Community Land Company bring people together to protect nature. Don is particularly keen to assist Bute Community Land Company fulfil its vision and to contribute to Bute having even more nature than we do now, through improvements in the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of species, populations, and ecosystems.
Although Ian lives south of the border, his family roots are very much in Southern Scotland and the farming community. Ian is Professor of forestry at Birmingham University and previously CEO of the UK-wide Small Woodlands Association.
A recent convert to the charms of the Isle of Bute, he is now a firm fan and hopes to use his expertise to help sustain the Community Forest for future generations.
Nadia is a naturalist and ornithologist. She has worked in nature conservation for over 16 years in roles covering volunteer development, nature reserve management and land policy. She is currently a Director for the Right to Roam campaign in England which aims to secure equity of responsible access to nature for all people, which she is passionate about.
She is from the North East of England and moved to the island in 2021 and fell in love with its sunrises and sunsets, rockpools and the community. In her spare time she enjoys bird watching and snorkelling on the island.
Nadia is keen to share her knowledge and passion for nature and to slowly explore how she can meaningfully contribute to the community forest.
Peter has lived on Bute for 30 years and recently retired from his role as Senior Development Manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. As a chartered surveyor throughout his career Peter was responsible for the delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital projects ranging from social housing across the North of England to a kayak trail across Argyll.
Having been a founding member of BCLC Peter is excited to be back on the Board as it progresses a number of important projects for the community.
