A community trust which bought out a Western Isles estate last year has held an event to celebrate the new ownership.
The Pairc Trust had been attempting to acquire the local estate on south-east Lewis since 2003 in order to bring it into the community’s hands.
And having finally completed the purchase in December the group held a formal celebration on Saturday to mark the occasion.
The event, at Ravensport on the island, involved speeches, children’s entertainment, food and a ceilidh dance.
Purchased for £500,000, the estate covers an area of 28,000 acres, boasting an extensive coastline and incorporating 11 crofting townships. The Pairc Trust raised £300,000 towards the cost of the purchase.
During the lengthy acquisition process, the trust received ongoing support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Western Isles Council.
The estate purchase was supported with a grant from the Scottish Land Fund, a Scottish Government programme that is delivered in partnership by HIE and BIG Lottery Fund Scotland.
Angus McDowall, chairman of the trust, said: “Pairc Trust is delighted to take ownership of the estate on behalf of our community.
“Today’s event to celebrate the purchase of the estate brings the long struggle for ownership to a close, and that struggle is now starting to fade into a distant memory.
“Our main focus is now to move forward and develop the estate for the benefit of the Pairc community.”
Mr McDowall said that anyone who had ideas on how to develop the estate should contact their team.
He added: “The purchase would not have been possible without the great assistance of many organisations, individuals, and most importantly the continued backing of the Pairc community. Pairc Trust is thankful for this support.”
Sandra Holmes, community assets sector lead, said: “The buyout celebrations mark the culmination of an extraordinary effort by the people of Pairc.
“The land, together with the talent and commitment of local people, will enable the community to determine their own future, and we congratulate them on this hard-won success.”
With the estate now firmly in the hands of the community, Pairc Trust is looking at how they develop the area for the benefit of local people.
The group is holding a number of engagement events which all members of the community are invited to attend.
More information can be found on Pairc Trust’s website www.pairctrust.co.uk
