Islanders and their guests joined together yesterday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the pioneering community buyout of Eigg.
Once boasting a population of 500, the island was left with just 64 inhabitants before local residents completed their ambitious £1.5million purchase of the land in 1997.
Since then, the depopulation trend has been reversed, with Eigg now thriving and home to 105 residents, thanks in large part to the work of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, which was set up to drive through the deal.
New homes have been built, tenants have been given security of tenure, and the island generates virtually 100% of its electricity using renewable energy.
To mark the achievements over the last 20 years, dozens of guests, including many of those involved in the buyout, arrived by ferry for midday yesterday, before joining residents on a procession to the Community Hall.
Speeches were given by leading representatives from the trust, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Highland Council, followed by a presentation from the primary school and a buffet lunch.
Local MSP Kate Forbes, who was among those attending, said: “The day was a celebration of what communities can achieve when they’re in control and not at the mercy of landlords’ whims.
“It was an honour to be on the Isle of Eigg to celebrate 20 years of community ownership – not only because of the progress that has been made but also because of the people who were there.
“Some of these people have been instrumental in leading the way on land reform and believing that communities should be in control of local assets.
“Twenty years ago, Eigg led the way in showing the world how to create a sustainable community by owning the land, acquiring security of tenure and working together.
“Today, the lively community numbers over 100 people and it’s largely down to the sheer determination and commitment of a small number of people who weren’t satisfied with the status quo.”