The book is in design and layout stage. Estimated launch date mid December 2020
Rob Gibson began as a student campaigner for crofting and land reform and decades later was elected to the Scottish Parliament. There he helped make far-reaching land reform laws. Along the way Rob took part in many of the formative events and debates in Scotland’s land reform journey.
It is widely held that land reform in Scotland is key to liberating Scots from the most concentrated pattern of ownership in the developed world. This book delves into developments that embrace the idea that to succeed, first you must remember what has created the problem, then revision the possibilities for change, and finally reclaim the land for the people who live here.
Rob campaigned while a student at university in Dundee (1968-73). The Federation of Student Nationalists held a (Isle of) Skye Crofting Scheme in September over several years from 1968 to 1995. Rob first joined in 1970 as students were camping in a mothballed school at Colbost. He helped plan a demonstration at Strollamus near Broadford in 1972 aiding local crofters to face down a new landlord.
The 1970s saw policy debates in hopes of a Scottish Assembly which was to be stillborn. Thereafter the 1980s and 1990s saw various campaigns recalling past struggles such as the Battle of the Braes, the formation of the Land League, and in 1991 commemoration of the 1948 Knoydart Land Raid.
Elected the Ross & Cromarty District Council in 1988 till 1996, Rob pursued land and housing issues there and collaborated with land campaigners. His role as a volunteer SNP environment and land reform spokesperson for the SNP ended with the election of the new Scottish Parliament in 1999.
In 2003 he was elected SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands, re-elected in 2007, he went on the win the constituency of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross in 2011 and was appointed convener of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment committee. He was deeply involved in the development of the 2016 Land Reform Bill.
During those years Rob won best politician in The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2012 and politician of the year in The Nature of Scotland Awards 2013. These recognised his leading role in two inter-related fields.
Rob said, “I was determined to see more diverse land ownership and sustainable energy uses that empower local communities. To that end, my involvement in land reform issues continues since my retirement from Holyrood in 2016. This book reflects on these decades of homing in on our goal.”
Reclaiming Our Land is published by Highland Heritage Educational Trust, c/o Gibson, Tir nan Oran, 8 Culcairn Road, Evanton, Dingwall IV16 9YT. Email robgibson273@btinternet.com Will message payment process.
Price: £11.99 + £2.00 minimum postage. Overseas pro rata.
Stock now available. Orders taken for individuals or independent bookshops