The buy-out plan for Ulva received the green light from the Scottish Government yesterday.
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham, announced that the North West Mull Community Woodland Company’s right to buy the small island of Ulva and associated holdings at Ulva Ferry on Mull has been “triggered” with immediate effect.
This means that the NWMCWC has until early June to put together a funding package and purchase the property at the price – £4.2million – which was set by the independent valuer in December.
One of its directors, John Addy, said: “We are obviously delighted at this news which sets Ulva on a path of social and economic rejuvenation including repopulation.
“We have drawn up an ambitious, but carefully phased business plan, based on a detailed feasibility study, which was carried out by respected independent consultants.
“The first priority, once we have purchased the island, will be to renovate the existing housing stock as quickly as possible and provide existing and future residents with security.”
A host of community organisations, businesses and individuals have supported the proposal, including Mull and Iona Community Trust, Ulva School Community Association, Mull Fisherman’s Association, and South West Mull and Iona Development.
Other groups in favour of the scheme include Community Land Scotland, Rural Housing Scotland, The Woodland Trust Scotland and the Community Woodlands Association Scotland.
The buy-out has also been backed by the Development Trusts Association Scotland and by representatives at Westminster and Holyrood.
Mrs Cunningham added: “Congratulations to the NWMCWC in receiving consent to proceed with the purchase of the Isle of Ulva, under Community Right to Buy legislation.
“This means the community now has the opportunity to buy the island. If the community concludes the purchase, they will join previous successful community buy-outs across rural and urban Scotland.
“The community right to buy, which we expanded through the Community Empowerment Act in 2015, is unlocking potential in communities throughout our country, giving local people a say in their future.
“The Scottish Government will continue to promote community land ownership and work to ensure that land in Scotland delivers benefits for everyone.”
NWMCWC is applying to the Scottish Land Fund for support. However, they can only fund a percentage of the overall amount, so there is a significant sum to find from other sources.
The detailed “Stage 2” application to SLF will now be submitted next week.
In addition, the group is already in discussion with a number of potential sponsors.