Eigg: 10 Years Of Progress
Eigg: 10 Years of Progress
The residents of the Hebridean island of Eigg today (Tuesday) celebrate the 10th anniversary of its historic purchase by their community. The period of progress has made a world of difference to their quality of life and created a sustainable and confident community. The island is owned and managed by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, a partnership of local residents (83), The Highland Council and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which has worked tirelessly over the past decade to establish itself as a model for community ownership. The Trust raised £1.5 million to purchase the island from absentee German landowner, Dr Maruma on 12 June 1997.
At the heart of its work is the development of the community as well as enhancement of the heritage and conservation of the island, which is part of the Small Isles National Scenic Area, has three Sites of Special Scientific Interest and boasts 14 listed buildings and 14 scheduled ancient monuments.
Over the past 10 years, it has secured long-term leases to a wide range of individuals and businesses; re-organised and significantly expanded croft land; introduced greatly improved paths and tracks on the island; undertaken woodland management; attracted broadband communications, secured waste disposal arrangements; and most recently a new mains electricity system, which will supply the island’s energy needs entirely from renewable sources, including hydro, wind and solar power. A £6 million ferry terminal provides greatly improved ferry links to Mallaig.
The Trust is now fully self-supporting and can meet its operational running costs from a range of regular income streams. It has developed three subsidiary companies, namely Eigg Electric Ltd; Eigg Construction Ltd and Eigg Trading Ltd. A total of 13 different community groups drive community development and social activities on the island. The Trust aims to secure additional funds to support any development work. Over the last 10 years, it has secured more than £2.5 million of investment from external sources, both public and private, for their activities, excluding purchase.
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To mark the milestone anniversary, the Trust has invited guests to an informal gathering at the Community Hall.
Maggie Fyffe, Trust director and administration secretary, said: “For such a small population, the community is very active in all senses and we can be proud of the many projects which have completed to date. The community has taken the lead role in these developments which have made a real difference to residents and visitors alike.”
Highland Councillor Dr Michael Foxley, who was actively involved in the community campaigns to purchase the island, said: "Eigg is indeed a model of community ownership. It is a confident, motivated and very busy community, which has achieved much over the past decade. It has come a long way and can be justly proud of its considerable achievements. It was well worth the many years to hard work to be part of this transformation."
Simon Milne, Chief Executive of The Scottish Wildlife Trust, commented: "Ten years on and the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust has made steady progress in conserving natural heritage, maintaining the island’s population and promoting a sustainable economy. It is a good example of how community ownership can work. The Isle of Eigg is an amazing place, where wildlife jostles for attention against breathtaking views and the Scottish Wildlife Trust is proud to have been involved in securing it for the community. Anyone who visits cannot fail to notice a real sense of pride from islanders that the future of this special place lies firmly in their hands.”
John Watt, head of strengthening communities with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “The courage of Eigg residents 10 years ago has paid off for them by bringing quantifiable social and economic improvements, but it has also paid off for other communities right across the Highlands and Islands who saw this high profile decision and gained confidence to emulate it. At the time of the buy-out in 1997 Brian Wilson, then a Scottish Office Minister, charged HIE to set up the Community Land Unit. The work of this unit over the last decade has assisted 30 larger scale community land purchases in the region bringing over 365,000 acres of land under local, accountable control, together with scores of smaller plots and buildings. These communities are driving forward a new generation of innovative plans, demonstrated by Eigg’s own proposal for a grid connected electricity supply fuelled by wind, water and sunshine, due for completion this year."