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Feasibility study for latest community land buyout proposal       7/9/14

 

A feasibility study over the community potentially taking on ownership of the Bays of Harris Estate in the Western Isles has been launched.

 

Economist Steve Westbrook has been appointed to assess the potential for economic and social regeneration of the 30,000 acre scattered land mass area over the next three months.

 

Mr Westbrook and his team has carried out similar studies for other community buyout groups locally.

 

Early next year, a final vote will be held for villagers to decide whether to buy the land or leave things as they are.

 

A steering committee spokesperson said: “The study will assess the viability of community ownership.

 

“The results of this process will provide residents with the information required to make an informed decision regarding the future of the estate.”

 

She added: “A report detailing the study’s findings is due to be completed by the end of the year.

“Early in 2015, residents will be invited to attend public meetings where the results will be presented and an opportunity given to discuss its contents.”

 

The steering group invites anyone considering setting up a business venture in the area to “get in touch and take advantage of the wide range of expertise available while the feasibility study is taking place.”

 

The Bays of Harris Estate is owned by the Hitchcock family who bought it for £5000 after the death of Lord Leverhulme, a founder of what is now the Unilever multinational giant, in 1925.

 

The area runs from Direcleit towards Leverburgh, the main settlement in South Harris which is also the port for the Sound of Harris ferry.  

 

A separate parcel of land at Northon is landlocked between two other estates.

 

Also included is the Isle of Berneray as well as the uninhabited Hermetray group of islands off North Uist.