scotianostra:Twenty-five years ago, the residents of Eigg completed the purchase of their island. It
scotianostra:Twenty-five years ago, the residents of Eigg completed the purchase of their island. It marked the end to a system of absentee landlords and the start of a time of innovation and growth.The buyout on June 12th 1997 was to address problems islanders were having with absentee landlords, including lack of home and business security, unemployment and poor housing. Since the islanders came together to buy the island for £1.5 million, the population has grown from 64 to more than 100, including families with young children.The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust was set up to be a guardian of the island’s independence. It acts as a de facto government, with three subsidiaries to focus on the islanders’ three main priorities: Eigg Trading Limited, Eigg Construction Limited and Eigg Electric Ltd.Eigg Electrical Ltd has overseen the creation of an electricity grid powered by sustainable sources, from micro hydro, solar and wind schemes, to replace the previous system, under which each household organised their own power.The community shop, a post office and a tea room fall under the ownership of Eigg Trading Limited, while Eigg Construction carries out building works, from house building to smaller repairs.While most decisions get made without conflict, some islanders are still getting used to the change of mindset that accompanies self-governance. “We still struggle with an us-v-them mentality,” Sarah Boden, trust director, said in an interview. “Sometimes decisions get made and people moan about ‘the Trust this’ or ‘the Trust that’. You have to remind them that they are the Trust.” Covering just 3,000 hectares, Eigg is an incredibly diverse island and includes a range of habitats including native ash and hazel woodland, peatlands, beaches and high cliffs. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Isle of Flowers’ because of the many hundreds of different plants that can be found there.In 2016, 115 species of bird, 83 of which are known to have bred, were recorded on Eigg as well as hundreds of different butterflies, moths and other insects. There were also regular sightings of marine mammals including seals, dolphins and minke whales.This year a £3 million-plus upgrade of An Laimhrig community hub is also nearing completion, just last night a concert was held featuring bands who played at the buyout ceilidh. Linsay Chalmers, development manager, Community Land Scotland, said the Eigg purchase sparked a wave of community buyouts in Scotland that continues to this day.“In 1997, their situation was dire and the people of Eigg felt they had no choice but to buy the island.“But they quickly demonstrated what can be achieved when a community owns its land and has control over its own destiny. -- source link