Save The Square, Grantown-on-Spey Legal Defence Fund

Save Grantown's Square: Legal Defence Fund

Help Us Preserve Grantown-on-Spey's Community Heart

Our Story

The historic Square in Grantown-on-Spey is under threat. This vital community space—gifted to our town by the Countess of Seafield in the 1960s and legally recognised as Common Good Land—has long been the beating heart of our community life and local economy.

The Highland Council has raised a writ to impose mandatory charges for all public events, market pitches, and stalls in The Square. As your Community Council, we believe these charges would be both legally improper and devastating to our town's character and prosperity.

We've already gathered over 1,000 signatures from concerned residents and are now fighting this case in Inverness Sheriff Court. Preliminary hearings have been ongoing since October, with evidence and affidavits submitted. The final trial is expected in May or June.

What's at Stake

If the Highland Council succeeds, the prohibitive charges would likely mean the end of beloved events including:

- **Thunder in the Glens** - The annual Harley Davidson gathering that brings 3,000 motorcyclists to our town

- **Cairngorms Farmers Market** - Our monthly showcase of local produce loved by residents and visitors alike

- **Grantown Does Christmas** - Our festive town celebration

- **Hogmanay in the Square** - Our traditional Scottish New Year celebration

- **Grantown Torchlight Procession** - A cherished community tradition

- **Greentown** - Our environmental initiative and celebration

These events aren't just celebrations—they're vital economic drivers that support local businesses, attract tourism, and maintain Grantown's vibrant community spirit. Without them, our town faces both cultural impoverishment and economic hardship.

Strong Community Support

Our legal action has garnered significant support, including formal endorsements from:

- Edward Mountain MSP

- Lord Reidhaven, grandson of the Countess of Seafield who originally gifted The Square to the town

- Organisers of all major events held in The Square

- Over 1,000 community members who have signed our petition

How Your Donation Helps

We've engaged a local solicitor and advocate to represent our community's interests. Regardless of the outcome, we will have substantial legal fees to settle.

**Our Goal: £20,000**

Every donation, large or small, will help defend Grantown's right to continue using The Square as it was intended—as a vibrant centre of community life without prohibitive charges.

What Happens Next

All funds raised will go directly toward covering our legal expenses in this case. Any excess funds will be used for community projects within Grantown-on-Spey.

We will provide regular updates on the case progress through this page and our community channels.

Thank You

By contributing to this fund, you're not just supporting a legal case—you're helping preserve the heart and soul of Grantown-on-Spey for current and future generations. Thank you for standing with us in this important fight for our community's future.

*The Grantown-on-Spey & Vicinity Community Council*