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Scotland's Climate Week 2025: Working together in the Angus Glens
It’s Scotland’s Climate Week 2025 and we’re highlighting our work across the public sector, business…
Putting forests and land in community hands
Under Scotland’s Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, constituted community bodies can buy, lease or manage areas of the national forests and land to deliver local social, environmental or economic benefit. Whether you want to create a woodland classroom, restore a visitor facility or develop renewable energy, this page explains how the Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS) works and how to get started.
How to apply
A step-by-step guide to preparing and submitting an Asset Transfer Request, including eligibility, required documents and timescales.
How we evaluate requests
See the criteria we use to balance community benefit, sustainability and best-value duties before making a decision.
Current requests
Browse Asset Transfer Requests that are open for representation or awaiting decision.
Previous requests
View completed transfers and learn from successful community projects across Scotland.
Find land and buildings
Search the national forests and land map to identify sites and download location information to support your application.
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Get in touch
Need advice before you apply?
Contact our Community Asset Transfer team at cats@forestryandland.gov.scot or call 0300 067 6000. We’re happy to discuss ideas and advise on the best next steps for your community.