A government estate has never been passed directly to crofters, but now the first three will be taken over by tenants in one swoop. Last month, the West Harris Crofting Trust was established and will now negotiate the terms of the takeover with the Scottish Government.

Now, there is only one child under school age in the district. Residents hope to tackle the issues of depopulation, lack of jobs, and scarcity of housing, while the need to develop and exploit broadband connections is considered essential to allow workers to work at a computer from home.

A feasibility study has explored ways of regenerating the community and attracting investment. One idea is to build a renewable energy hydro scheme which could pave the way for other revitalisation projects. About £32,700 could be made available annually.

(West of Harris. Courtesy:Alisdair Wiseman. http://www.square-art.co.uk)
The community may build its own whisky distillery and grow barley for a Harris malt on the flat, sandy machair, with the first test crops expected to start next spring. Land has been identified for potential house building to try to encourage young families to stay and work locally.

The trust would negotiate with the Church of Scotland to buy a glebe at Scarista for housing plots. New legislation would be used to create crofts, with new holdings planned for each district. The area could capitalise on its stunning white sand beaches and mountains for tourism and the promotion of the Scarista golf course.

Source: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/
Web:http://www.initiative-at-the-edge.org.uk/bay-of-harris.html