The West Harris Trust has completed its purchase of more than 16,000 acres of government-owned land. The Trust raised almost £70,000 from various bodies to buy the three crofting estates – Scaristavore, Borve and Luskentyre on Harris in the Western Isles. The land had been owned by the Scottish Government. Grants were provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Big Lottery Fund, and a loan from local housing organisation Tighean Innse Gall.
123 people live in the area but only one is below school age and there have been worries about maintaining the population. The Trust hopes to encourage new families to move to the area and has already received interest in the new crofts which will become available.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said, “This land transfer is the culmination of a great deal of hard work, determination and commitment on the part of the West Harris Trust. It is an exciting day for the community and a landmark day for the Scottish Government’s commitment to community ownership of land and empowerment.
Community ownership plays a very important role in the empowerment of communities. It improves self reliance and offers opportunities for employment, skill development and economic success. I hope to return one day to witness the many benefits I envisage the trust will deliver through this historic transfer.”
Trust chairman Murdo Mackay, who lives in Luskentyre, said, “We want to promote Harris as a great place to live and work and we hope to get more families into the area and create new crofts and bring currently under-used land into production. We are very excited about the fact that control of our own land will breathe new life into the community and encourage people to set up homes and raise families.”