Historic day as community concludes purchase of Ulva
Island is latest to be sold with cash boost from fund
Negotiations have successfully concluded over the community buyout of the island of Ulva.
Binding contracts were signed yesterday morning and ownership will transfer on 21 June.
North West Mull Community Woodland Company (Nwmcwc) bought the island after the present owner, Jamie Howard, put the estate, which as been in his family for 70 years, on the market last year.
The community company, which owns part of Mull, received £4.4 million from Scottish Land Fund, financed by the Scottish Government, for the buyout.
The new owners now want to boost the permanent population of the island, which is home to six people, invest in infrastructure – including housing – and develop the tourist trade.
Ulva was the birthplace of Lachlan Macquarie, regarded by many as the “Father of Australia”. It is hoped the National Trust for Australia will help promote visits to his birthplace.
Colin Morrison, NWMCWC Chair, said the organisation was “extremely grateful” for the support received during the buyout but acknowledged it had been, at times, a demanding and stressful process for all parties.
He said: “To say we are extremely grateful to all our supporters and to the various funding agencies, organisations and individuals would be an understatement.
“We cannot thank everyone enough, not just for the financial support, but also the encouragement we’ve been given throughout the process. We have been heartened by the degree of interest and depth of support we have received from official agencies, commercial organisations and also private individuals at home and abroad.”
The decision to sell Ulva was “a very difficult one” for Mr Howard, the community company said.
A statement added: “As stewardship passes from the Howard family to the local community, we look forward to an amicable transition based on mutual respect and the board is keen to wish Mr Howard and his family all the best for the future.”
The Howard family said earlier said the ongoing costs required to maintain Ulva could not be maintained indefinitely. Around 500 people from around the world contributed to Ulva crowdfunder set up to buy the island with the sale completed using land reform legislation.