News
Philanthropist to donate 8,000 acres of land to Highland community
Part of the Badentarbet Estate with the hills of Coigach and Assynt on the horizon (Image credit: Coigach Community Development Company)
Philanthropist Ian Wace, owner of Tanera Mor in the Summer Isles, is donating a substantial sum to the Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) to purchase the majority of the Badentarbat Estate near Achiltibuie in Wester Ross.
The coastal estate, covering approximately 8,887 acres of the Coigach Peninsula, is a diverse landscape of coastal townships, crofts, common pasture, heathland and peatland, offering significant sporting, natural and amenity capital potential. Listed on the market with a guide price of £2,750,000, the estate also includes ownership of several of the smaller Summer Isles – covering 45.13 acres.
On a community meeting on June 27thWith over 100 members in attendance, a “historic vote” was taken on the “intention to take possession of the land” through Mr. Wace’s offer. The result showed that 91% of those present were in favor of the community ownership proposal.
This “unprecedented” move will give the community the power to own and manage their land, potentially for generations to come. Mr Wace will retain a smaller portion of the estate, including Achnahaird Farm and a lodge.
Coigach residents taking part in the historic vote (Image credit: Coigach Community Development Company)
The CCDC expressed gratitude to Mr. Wace for this “incredible opportunity.”
President of CCDC Ricardo Williams said: “The Coigach Community Development Company is delighted with the positive outcome of last night’s public meeting held at Coigach Community Hall. We had a great turnout with around 50% of the village present, both in person and via zoom.
“The event was ably chaired by Topher Dawson from Ullapool, who presided over a respectful and informed discussion about the opportunity, risks and potential benefits.
“Representatives from Highlands & Islands Enterprises and Community Land Scotland were also present and were able to share the benefits of their experiences, which greatly contributed to everyone’s understanding of the potential benefits and the unprecedented nature of the opportunity presented.
“The event concluded with a vote on whether the CCDC should proceed with the opportunity, which brought together a resounding 90% of those eligible to vote in favor of the proposal.”
Mr Williams continued: “The CCDC Directors are immensely grateful to Ian Wace for making this incredible opportunity possible for the community and we look forward to working with Ian and his team over the coming months to make this a reality.
“CCDC directors have committed to working with all crofting councils in the state to explore a transfer of crofting title to their property should they wish to do so.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the crofting tenants, Summer Isles Enterprises and the wider community to realise the myriad benefits now possible from this fabulous opportunity over the coming months and years.”
Executive Director of CCDC Laura Hamlet said: “This was a truly historic and special moment to be a part of. There was a hush in the room when the school enrolment of only eight students was mentioned.
“Building more housing in Coigach is our only chance to keep our community alive, and without a willing landowner, that is impossible. We now have a generational chance to create places for families to live and work.”
“I am thrilled to be taking on this challenge with the excellent team of staff at CCDC. Offers of support have come in from Community Land Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and even a Member of the Scottish Parliament.
“Most importantly, communities elsewhere in Scotland who have taken on the challenge of owning their own land have stepped up to help us. It’s really exciting to be part of this network of communities who are making history and to feel their support.”
Chairman of the meeting Topher Dawson said: “It would be true to say that all great decisions come with risk and opportunity, so it is heartening to see that people recognise Ian Wace’s offer as much more of an opportunity than a risk. There were some great speeches in favour of the long-term vision and creating opportunities for young people.
“Well done to Ian Wace too, for investing in the community in this way. It’s an act of faith in the CCDC on his part, and I salute him for that.”