Congratulations and best wishes are due to our members Keose Glebe Steering Group who on Friday (25th March 2016) announced their completion of the purchase of the c.1,200 acre estate on the Isle of Lewis.
The estate will now be operated on behalf of the community by Keose Glebe Estate Ltd – a not for profit company, which is seeking charitable status.
Director Angus Smith said:
“While the land purchase itself has been central, the buy-out process has also required the community to consider and develop its skills, plans and ambitions for the future, and how these can strengthen and grow social bonds and economic opportunity, for the long-term benefit of all.
While the Keose Glebe area has had a long and interesting history, this is a new and exciting chapter for us and, as we develop new projects and strategies, again with the help of those agencies that got us here, we look forward with a renewed sense of optimism that real and significant change – for the better – is within our grasp and capabilities.””
He acknowledged the funding and support from the Scottish Land Fund, Western Isles Council – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CNES), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Muaitheabhal Community Windfarm Trust, Marine Harvest, Kinloch Community Council and Community Land Scotland. He also noted their gratitude to former landlord Murdo Morrison for agreeing to sell to the community and local people for their “support, belief and enthusiasm” over the past year.
Community Land Scotland director David Cameron said:
“There is no doubt that they will go from strength to strength as the years go by and the future is safe in their hands.”
We wish the community well in this exciting new phase and look forward to keeping up with their developments.