The West Harris Trust will today become the first community group to buy out a Scottish Government owned crofting estate.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham will tonight witness the ownership transfer of the Borve, Luskentyre and Scaristavore estates during an historic signing which will take place in the tiny village school at Seilebost on the scenic coast of west Harris.

The transfer of ownership of the 6,578 hectares of land making up the crofting estates is the first since the Transfer of Crofting Estates (Scotland) Act was introduced in 1997.

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The trust plans to build affordable housing, help generate income by improving the tourism potential of the area, create jobs and develop small scale renewable projects.

Roseanna Cunningham, who tomorrow (Tuesday) will address delegates at a crofting conference in Stornoway, said: "This land transfer is the culmination of a great deal of hard work, determination and commitment on the part of the West Harris Trust.

"It is an exciting day for the community and a landmark day for the Scottish Government's commitment to community ownership of land and empowerment.

"I hope to return one day to witness the many benefits I envisage the Trust will deliver through this historic transfer."

(GK)