This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Eigg development unlocked by community ownership - Donald Dewar
13/10/1998
Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar said today that community ownership had been the key to the rebirth of Eigg. The Secretary of State was visiting the Isle of Eigg a year after the islanders, with public support, successfully acquired ownership of the island.
Mr Dewar said:
"Community ownership is revitalising Eigg. For too long the aspirations and energy of the islanders were frustrated through their inability to acquire ownership of the island. In particular, the nature of their previous tenure made it difficult for the enterprise agencies to fund community-based initiatives and individual enterprises.
"I am delighted to have seen on my visit today that community ownership of the island, through the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, has changed all that. It has allowed the islanders to develop a strong sense of purpose and to channel their undoubted energies into developing proposals which are aimed at sustaining the community of Eigg. The Government are doing a great deal to assist community land ownership, and Eigg provides a clear example of what can be achieved.
"Lochaber Limited, the local enterprise company, has already channelled significant funds into projects which the islanders have identified as crucial to the island's social and economic development. The new Pier Centre has benefited through £150,000 of public support, and I know that the enterprise company stands ready to work with the islanders, and those of the other Small Isles, in developing further priority projects and in working to strengthen communities."
BACKGROUND
1. The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust acquired ownership of the island on behalf of the community in the summer of 1997, assisted by a financial contribution of £17,500 from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network.
2. The Trust has three nominated members - the Eigg Residents Association, Highland Council and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, with the Residents Association entitled to elect from its members the same number of Directors in total as all the other nominated members together. The Board of the Trust is presently made up of four elected members of the island's community, two members of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, two members from the Highland Council, and an independent Chairman.
3. The islanders' priority to date has been the provision of adequate reception facilities and accommodation for island services. The Pier Centre "An Laimhrig" has now been established with support of £150,000 from Lochaber Limited. Future priority projects which have been identified include the upgrading of the housing stock, the development of a Conservation Plan to encourage sustainable development, and an effective power supply to overcome problems associated with the use of generators.
News Release: 2059/98
13 October 1998