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. In the last year the 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 public.
The current directors of BCLC are as follows:
- Richard Whitcomb – Chair
- Peter Vincent
- Peter Baker
- Tony Edwards
- John Reid
- Alexander Davey
- Martin Caitlin
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.
Alexander moved to Bute with his family in 2017 after working in Africa and Asia for various charities. He is passionate about the Scottish environment and the need to protect and rewild it. Joining the Forest Board seemed a good way to contribute to both island life and the environment. It is very gratifying to see the Forest's work progressing so well and more and more islanders and visitors enjoying it!
Peter is a qualified Mechanical and Industrial Engineer. He has been running his own specialist manufacturing business in the South of England for 50 years. They employ over 40 staff, so are familiar with employee legislation and business management.
He moved to Bute in 2007, and feels passionately about the potential of the island. He has been involved in the BCLC project as a board member since its early days.
