The following books, reports and papers provide valuable
background reading about Common Good matters. For further
information on commons generally, see Links and Resources.
Wightman, A. & Perman, J.
2005. Common Good Land in Scotland. A Review
and Critique. Commonweal Working Paper No. 5.
Caledonia Centre for Social Development,
Inverness.
The ground-breaking
report that lifted the lid on mismanagement of Common
Good assets across Scotland. Downloadable pdf file
(1.3Mb)
Millions lost from Common Good
land
Comment by Andy
Wightman
How the private flats were allowed on the
community's land
Editorial Comment - For the Benefit of Us
All
Articles in the
Herald 28 November 2005 covering the launch of the 2005
Report.
Wightman, A, 2007. Common Good. A Quick
Guide. (596kb pdf)
A brief research guide to Common Good. (596kb pdf)
Ferguson, A. 2006. Common
Good Law. Avizandum, Edinburgh.
An excellent guide to the law surrounding Common Good.
An order form for this book is available for download on
the Common Good page (at
right hand side).
Papers from the
Local Government and Transport Committee Enquiry into
Petitions
Follow this link to see the archived record of this
Enquiry (all documents hosted on this site).
Hunter, T. & Paton, R.
1905. Report on the Common Good of the City of Edinburgh.
Lord provost, Magistrates and Council of Edinburgh,
Edinburgh.
An interesting guide to the Common Good of Edinburgh at
the beginning of the 20th century. This book is out of
print but 2nd hand copies should be available from
www.abebooks.co.uk. Before
ordering, make sure the copy includes the excellent
large scale map of Edinburgh.
The Provost, Magistrates and Councillors
of the Royal Burgh of Banff and others vs. Ruthin Castle
Ltd. SC 36, 1944.
One of the most important
Common Good cases in the 20th century. (a scanned
2.7Mb pdf).
Andrew Wilson & others vs. Inverclyde
Council 2003.
The Court of Session decision in this illumanting case.
(260kb pdf).
Scottish Borders Council. Investigation
into complaints surrounding the stewardship of the
Common Good, November 2004.
A report commissioned by Audit Scotland from
Scott-Moncrieff. Interesting reading..
List of Burghs contained in the First
Schedule to the Local Government (Scotland) Act
1947.
A list of thse burghs which had Town Councils up until
15 May 1975.