TALKS are set to begin over the future of a remote island with a population of just 16 people.
The future of tiny Ulva and its residents was in doubt after the Hebridean isle went up for sale at offers over £4.25 million in May 2017.
The island, which served as inspiration for both Sir Walter Scott and Beatrix Potter, is currently owned by Jamie Howard, whose family has held the deeds for 70 years and who inherited it from his mother in 2014.
READ MORE: Progress on land reform must not stand still
The 60-year-old has said he can no longer afford to run the property and hit out after the Scottish Government blocked its sale on the open market, a move which allows the community to attempt a buy-out.
This was bolstered after residents on the neighbouring island of Mull backed the bid and began crowdfunding through the North West Mull Community Woodland Company (NWMCWC). Now the group’s chair has expressed delight as the Holyrood-funded Scottish Land Fund is prepared to award up to £4,415,200 to allow negotiations to start for the purchase of the estate and its buildings.
As the first group to register interest in the island under community right-to-buy laws, it has until June 9 to agree terms with Howard and complete the transaction, which will also take in some land on Mull.
If successful, efforts will begin to attract new residents by adding housing and boosting economic activity.
NWMCWC chair Colin Morrison said: “This award from the Scottish Land Fund is hugely significant, not only for Ulva but also more broadly for North West Mull.
“We aim to have 20 or more people living on Ulva within two or three years, rising to as many as 50 or more in time as new houses are built.”
Morrison continued: “Social and economic development of Ulva will bring benefits to the neighbouring communities on Mull. Schools, shops, local services and industry will all receive a boost from the increased population and also from the increased number of visitors we are confident we shall see once accommodation and facilities are provided for them on the island.”
Almost 65 per cent of locals were in favour of the community buy-out when balloted December.
Today John Watt, chair of the Scottish Land Fund, said he had “great pleasure” in announcing the award.
He said: “This means that local people are now one step closer to extending the area the community currently owns, and in doing so putting the future of the island of Ulva firmly in local hands.”
Watt added: “It is a momentous day for all involved and I wish them every success as they go on to raise the remaining funding that will allow them to turn their dreams into reality.”
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