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Lewis residents vote to buy Pairc Estate

Pairc Estate on the Isle of Lewis
Pairc Estate on the Isle of Lewis

A lengthy bitter dispute over a community buyout of an Isle of Lewis crofting estate ended after a local ballet was held last night.

Until now Pairc Estate had progressed as Scotland’s first test case of a hostile land buyout under the controversial Land Reford Act.

Residents have now voted by a large majority to buy the 26,775 acre estate cut in between two sea lochs on the rural south-east corner of Lewis.

The 18 villagers who attended the count in the tiny Pairc school applauded when the result was announced just after 8pm.

Angus McDowall, chairman of the community elected Pairc Trust, who led the buyout, said:” I am delighted with this result.  It is just amazing the community stuck in over the years.”

He continued: “The result is as good as we had hoped to get and it shows the faith the community had in us.”

He said that the trust now plans to get on board “fresh blood” and hold elections for new members.

The trust has made a formal offer to purchase the land – plus renewable energy rights – for £500,000 from owner Barry Lomas.

They also have a business plan to create renewable energy schemes and provide housing sites as well as social housing.

They hope to conclude the legalities in about three months’ times.

The electorate eligible to vote was 388.

There were 243 votes cast marking a turnout of 62.7%.

The Yes vote was 166 and 77 voted against.