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Storas Uibhist is “secretive, arrogant and bullying” 10/5/11
The South Uist community landlord has been described as secretive, arrogant and bullying in an independent review by the very people it represents according to an independent review.
The report into Storas Uibhist highlights only 850 residents are members of the landlord body which leaves out nearly 60% of eligible islanders.
Amanda Bryan of Aigas Associates who carried out the community consultation is presenting her results at the first of two public meetings on the island tonight.
The discussions take place at South End Community Hall at 7.30pm and at St Mary’s Hall in Griminish at the same time tomorrow (wed).
A key finding is an “overwhelming level of support for the buy-
Some 61% of respondents want more openness, transparency and community engagement.
Other top priories are for the body to give better information and consult more widely about future aims for the island.
Secretive, arrogant and bullying were dominant themes when islanders were asked to sum up the landlord though others thought they were ambitious and hard working.
According to the report islanders want Storas Uibhist to become more open, successful, community orientated and honest in the future.
One islander told the survey: “With its insular secretive, unilateral actions Stòras Uibhist is missing a wonderful opportunity to show how community ownership can work and bring welcome and much needed social economic benefit to the estate, and the wider community.
“Instead Stòras Uibhist's cavalier attitude may well lead it to risk alienating the community, falling foul of the law and end up a laughing stock with a huge opportunity missed.”
People backed the body’s plans for the Lochboisdale redevelopment, Loch Carnan community windfarm and improved estate management, Grogarry Lodge and sporting activity.
The Storas’ role in lobbying including the successful fight to save the Rocket Range, develop Askernish golf course and ongoing campaign for a shorter ferry route to Mallaig is supported by islanders.
The landlord has already hired a communications consultant to advise it on a public relations strategy.
In a response to islanders Storas chairman Angus Macmillan promised to introduce regular newsletters, a monthly column in local newspaper Am Paipear, and to expand the number of working groups and get islanders with specific skills to join them.
He added: “The directors welcome further feedback from the community as a whole and would encourage those who have not already done so to become members of the community company.
Stòras Uibhist is the largest community landowner in Scotland. It runs the 93,000 acre estate covering the islands of South Uist, Eriskay and the southern half of Benbecula.
The £4.5 million buyout took place in December 2006 and will celebrate its 5th anniversary this winter.