The transfer of c. 7,800 acres of crofted land to the Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) was completed on 29 October, in a landmark transaction which will enable the land to be in the custodianship of the local community for many years to come.

At the end of 2023, directors had made the decision to enter into the statutory community right to buy process “just in case” the estate ever came onto the market. The CCDC had just reached the draft expression of interest stage when the estate came onto the market in June this year.

In an unexpected turn of events, the company was offered a personal donation of £1.75 million by philanthropist Ian Wace, who established the Tanera Project in the area several years ago to regenerate the island of Tanera Mor in the Summer Isles.

Mr Wace’s intention was to make a gift to the local community. This was first communicated in June and put to the community at a meeting where 91% voted in favour of accepting the donation.

The development company staff and volunteers then undertook the legal due diligence to properly understand what was for sale and worked with Ian Wace’s team at Summer Isles Enterprises (SIE) to secure the best arrangement possible for the community.

Finally on 21 October, the agreements were all signed and the sale was able to go ahead to make the purchase on behalf of the community.

SIE has purchased the remaining c. 1,100 acres of non-crofted land on Badentarbat Estate including the area around Achnahaird beach and the islands of Eilean a’Char, Eilean Chonaid, Eilean Fada Beag & Eilean a’Ehuic.

Laura Hamlet, CEO of CCDC, said: “Many communities that are fortunate enough to gain ownership of their land do so only after years of dedicated effort to raise the necessary capital.

“Today, and with thanks to Mr Wace, a substantial portion of land has passed into the hands of those who call this area home. At CCDC, we take this responsibility very seriously.

“As a newly established Crofting Landlord, we are committed to listening, understanding and responding promptly to the needs of our tenant crofters. Yet, there is plenty of room for excitement, as this marks a historic and transformative moment for the peninsula. Together, we now have the opportunity to envision Coigach’s future and truly become the agents of our own destiny.”

Adam Blaker, CEO of SIE, said: “We are delighted that after months of hard work, we have completed this transaction, which secures the future of the crofted land for the community.

“We look forward to working with our neighbours to help make Ian Wace’s donation to CCDC a catalyst for regeneration across the beautiful Coigach peninsula. I am also very grateful to the Rex family for making this all possible.”