Schemes’ mixed fortunes as some thrive while others are deep in debt
IT WAS once used to detain hundreds of Hitler’s elite troops who had been captured in battle.
But in 2007, Cultybraggan – a rundown 40acre MoD site – was bought up by the locals of nearby Comrie, Perthshire, for £350,000.
Now the same grounds are home to thriving local enterprises, a biomass district heating scheme, allotments, visitor centre and orchard.
And there are plans afoot for new sports facilities and four-star holiday homes.
The camp’s owner, Comrie Development Trust, has made surpluses in each of the last five years – including £142,000 in 2015/16.
On Eigg, however, there have been contrasting fortunes. The islanders managed to seal a £1.75 million deal to take control of Eigg in 1997. With 30 new homes built, broadband installed and a self-sufficient energy supply derived from sunshine, wind and water, the island was promoted during the 2014 referendum campaign as a microcosm of what a successful independent Scotland could look like. However, in 2015/16, Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust – the community group that now owns the island – lost £105,000, the sixth consecutive year in the red.