Residents of Scalpay, in the Outer Hebrides, may be offered the island at no charge.
The BBC reported that Fred Taylor, who owns Scalpay, has written to the island’s 300 residents offering to give them the island. A large part of neighbouring Harris, to which Scalpay is attached by a bridge, was part of a recent community buy out and is now owned by the North Harris Trust. In his letter, Mr Taylor suggests either setting up a similar community trust or joining with the North Harris Trust to manage the island.
Island MSP Alasdair Allan, said it was a decision for the islanders alone, but anything that could put power into the hands of the people, was to be welcomed. Scalpay was once a thriving fishing community but its population has been steadily declining and there are now no children under the age of seven living on the island and the local primary school is set to close.
Mr Taylor’s father is believed to have purchased the island in the 1970’s.