Islanders celebrating £4.4m award

Celebrations are under way in north-west Mull after the Scottish Land Fund announced an award of up to £4.4 million which will help islanders open negotiations for the purchase of the Ulva Estate and associated land and buildings.

Funded by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Land Fund supports local communities by helping them take ownership of land and buildings that matter to them.

North West Mull Community Woodland Company (NWMCWC), the first group to register interest in an island under the Scottish Government’s Community Right to Buy legislation, now has until 9 June, 2018, to agree terms with the current owner, raise the rest of the funding they need, and complete the sale.

The group plans to purchase the estate, which spans 2,000 hectares and includes the Isle of Ulva, as well as land on Mull. Following consultation, the number one priority for community ownership is to attract new residents by increasing economic activity and housing stock.

Colin Morrison, who is chairman of North West Mull Community Woodland Company, described the award as “hugely significant”.