Update: Progress towards community ownership of the Bays of Harris Estate

From the Interim Board, Bays of Harris Community Estate

Following the latest meeting of the Scottish Land Fund (SLF), the Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd is hopeful that it will be able to complete the purchase of the Bays of Harris Estate during 2026.

The SLF has confirmed that the community group’s application to the fund has been accepted and the purchase is fully fundable. It has also advised that the project should be one of the first to be funded in the planned new round of the SLF in the summer of 2026.

“Although we were hopeful that our project might be funded during the current round of the SLF, which concludes in March 2026, the risk that the purchase wouldn’t be concluded in time was seen as too high, so the funding has been deferred to enable other projects to be funded,” says Euan Galloway, Chair of the Bays of Harris Community Estate.

“Once the new Land Fund is in place after next year’s election, we are confident the funding will be provided and the purchase can conclude.”

The group is also required to come up with a smaller amount of funding to cover legal and tax costs associated with the purchase, and has already managed to secure several routes of funding to cover these additional costs.

Agreement to sell the estate was reached between the current landowner and the Bays of Harris Community Estate during the summer, marking a significant step forward and demonstrating a shared commitment to ensuring the future of the Estate lies in the hands of its community.

As the purchase approaches, it is more important than ever that Estate residents become members of the Bays of Harris Community Estate, which already has more than 200 full and associate members. A strong membership shows clear community support for the buyout and is a vital part of the funding process. In addition, only members can vote on Estate matters, helping to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and its priorities are delivered as the Estate develops.

Anyone who lives in the Bays of Harris Estate is eligible to become a member. Membership is free and allows residents to vote on decisions about the future of the Estate. Supporters who do not live on the Estate may become Associate Members.

Associate Members can take part in discussions and contribute to the Estate, but they do not have voting rights.Bays of Harris Community Estate notes the recent sad passing of current landowner Rob Hitchcock. We understand from the legal teams involved that this is not going to cause any additional delay to the transfer of the Estate to the community – but we do of course send our condolences to Rob’s family at this sad time.

If you want to become a Member and be involved in future plans for the Estate, please visit our website and fill in the Membership Form found here www.baysofharris.org/become-a-member/

 www.baysofharris.org