Minority ethnic community groups face barriers when trying to own community land and assets in the central belt of Scotland
This report looks at the barriers that minority ethnic community groups face when trying to own community land and assets in the central belt of Scotland. It builds on findings from the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Community Ownership Hub and further research done by Community Enterprise Scotland for Community Land Scotland.
The report is based on five interviews with BME-led community organisations. It found that these groups encounter several barriers at each stage of engaging with community land rights. The groups had different levels of understanding about the legislation, from little knowledge to having explored community asset transfer. However, none of the groups had successfully used their community land rights. They all need access to space to provide essential services to racially and economically marginalised communities.
The findings indicate that minority ethnic groups face structural, legislative, and procedural barriers. These arise from historic and ongoing marginalisation, structural racism, difficult legislation, a lack of representation in the sector, and insufficient support. The report examines these barriers through a decolonial lens, noting that structural racism and colonial histories affect land ownership and policies in Scotland.
It also gives recommendations for Community Land Scotland and the wider land reform sector to make community land rights more accessible for minority ethnic groups. These suggestions include improving access to information, increasing diversity and representation in the land reform sector, adapting laws to better serve BME groups, creating culturally sensitive language and guidance, providing funding support for BME groups, and facilitating partnerships within the community.