Funding secured by community group to buy 27,000-acre Western Isles estate

A Western Isles community group has been awarded over £1m to buy a massive crofting estate in major step in a 14-year journey.

Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd (BoHCEL) has been given £1,082,680 by the Scottish Land Fund, bringing the 27,181-acre estate into community ownership.

The estate covers a significant portion of the island between Tarbert and Leverburgh, the Northton peninsula and the island of Berneray.

Euan Galloway, chair of BoHCEL, said it had taken 14 years to reach the stage of purchasing the privately-owned Bays of Harris estate.

Mr Galloway said: “This success has only been made possible through the dedication and support of a great many individuals, organisations and funders over the years.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point. The Scottish Land Fund’s support means we can now move forward with confidence towards completing the purchase by the end of the year.”

The award covers the purchase of the estate, associated legal costs and funding for an estate manager for the first year.

The BoHCEL will meet soon to discuss the next steps and to appoint an estate manager.

He added: “Securing this funding is another hugely important milestone on our journey towards community ownership of the Estate.

“We look forward to celebrating the day the Bays of Harris Estate is officially transferred into the hands of the community. Thank you again to everyone who has helped make this possible.”

Gillian Martin, cabinet secretary for climate action and rural affairs, said: “It’s especially welcome to see the Bays of Harris purchase conclude after many years of hard work.

“It shows that perseverance does pay off, and I wish all the projects the best and look forward to hearing about their progress.”

The Bays of Harris estate was one of six projects awarded funding totalling £2,197,924.

Other projects include the Morvern Community Woodlands, which was awarded £459,650 to create woodland crofts and other community assets.