The West Harris Crofting Trust will formally take control of three crofting estates in the west of the island today.

The estates of Luskentyre, Borve and Scaristavore, together comprising 6,578 hectares, were previously owned by the Scottish Government, so have been transferred to the community under the Transfer of Crofting Estates (Scotland) Act 1997.  It's the first time the Act has been used for the disposal of crofting estates and the buyout was supported by 77% of the local community in a 2008 ballot (see previous article).

The Trust now hopes to develop plans for a range of actions, including the implementation of some renewable energy schemes; the creation of affordable housing and the development of new crofts.  You can find further details in articles in the Scotsman and the West Highland Free Press.

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