Burgh Fishings at Inverurie Common Good Consultation

What is being proposed?

The Aberdeenshire Council (the “Council) proposes to lease the Property to Inverurie Angling Association (the “IAA”) for a period of 25 years. The lease terms shall reflect that this is a lease for the benefit of the Community to encourage local participation and to ensure the long term future of this Common Good Asset. For the avoidance of doubt the Property shall always remain owned by the Council and be a Common Good Asset.

Why are we consulting?

The Council requires to consult under Section 104 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 as the Property forms part of the Common Good Land and Fishing Rights granted by Charter on the 22^nd June 1588 by Mary Queen of Scots which established the Burgh of Inverurie as a Royal Burgh (contained within page 288 of the Registrum Magni Sigilli, number 1287). When considering a disposal of certain types of common good land and/ or common good rights, certain legal requirements must be followed. These are:

• Carry out a statutory consultation with the local community under Part 8 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 ; and
• If required, seek approval from the Court under s.75 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

This consultation is being carried out to satisfy the first legal requirement and further guidance on the process can be found here.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/community-empowerment-common-good-property-guidance-local-authorities/

Court approval will be sought if the Council decides to proceed with the disposal following the Consultation.

What are the benefits of the proposal?

The following have been noted as the benefits of this proposal:

1. Providing accessible fishings to the residents of Inverurie and Aberdeenshire.
2. Offering cost savings to Aberdeenshire Council by removing the costs of administration, fishery assessment levies by the District Salmon Fishery Board and maintenance.
3. Offering free fishing to under 16's to encourage participation in angling and teaching best practice.
4. Carry out a programme of river bank maintenance and improving the existing bankside path at Uryside Park.
5. Actively engaged in management of Invasive Species by control on the Don Fishing Beat and the River Ury from Overburn to the Meetings.
6. The IAA are a local organisation who have the local knowledge and skill base to administer the fishings for the local community which prioritises local access and participation.
7. The IAA has indicated that they have plans in place to improve access to the riverside by creating additional paths, removing fallen trees etc.

8. IAA have a long experience in the administration of the Burgh Fishing having been involved initially with Inverurie Town Council, then Gordon District and now with The Aberdeenshire Council and are the ideal organisation to continue to administer the fishings for the benefit of the local community and the Common Good.

Please tell us your views by completing the below form or submitting a paper copy.

Completed forms can be returned via email: (garioch@aberdeenshire.gov.uk) or via post: (Gordon House, Blackhall Road, Inverurie, AB51 3WB) Please return forms by 20 August 2021 at 5pm.