Nearly 11,000 hectares of land in the Outer Hebrides is on course to transfer into community ownership after the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) awarded more than £1m to the Bays of Harris Community Estate.

Bays of Harris Community Estate Limited (BoHCEL) has received £1,082,680 — the largest share of six grants worth a combined £2,197,924 — to support community-led development across Scotland.

The award will allow the group to purchase a 10,927-hectare crofting estate from a private owner and tackle long-standing housing and population challenges in a fragile, dispersed community.

Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said: "Once again these projects demonstrate the scale and variety of ways the Scottish Land Fund can support communities, whether it is giving islanders greater autonomy, creating a much-needed heritage centre and workshop space or bolstering volunteering opportunities. It's especially welcome to see the Bays of Harris purchase conclude after many years of hard work. It shows that perseverance does pay off, and I wish all the projects the best and look forward to hearing about their progress."

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: "These awards will have a positive and empowering impact on each of their communities, helping groups to secure important assets and giving local people control over the things that matter most to them."

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Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: "These projects highlight the incredible impact of communities taking charge of their own future. By securing vital assets, they're safeguarding essential services while creating places that support jobs, attract visitors and bring people together.

"For example, the Bays of Harris funding contribution to bring the land into community ownership demonstrates the vital role that investment plays in helping communities realise their ambitions. Community ownership is a powerful tool for lasting change, strengthening the local economy and building resilience for generations to come. We can't wait to see what these inspiring ventures achieve next."

Euan Galloway, Chair, Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd, said: "We are delighted the Scottish Land Fund has approved funding to enable us to complete the purchase of the Bays of Harris Estate. It has taken 14 years to reach this stage. We would like to thank the many people and organisations whose support, commitment and hard work have made this achievement possible. We now look forward to completing the purchase of the Estate on behalf of the community in the coming months."

Other grants include £106,780 to Voe Community Development Association in Shetland to acquire the B-listed Sail Loft in Lower Voe and convert it into a heritage centre offering low-cost tourist accommodation, a café and workshop space.

Loch Ewe Community Enterprise will receive £345,663 to buy the Bac Dubh industrial site in Poolewe and create a multi-use community business park, turning a vacant asset into affordable, flexible premises for local firms to support jobs, resilience and long-term economic stability.

North Sutherland Community Forestry Trust (NSCFT) has been awarded £109,745 to purchase a log cabin at Borgie Forest, 0.8 hectares of surrounding land and the solum of an additional cabin, enabling expansion into a multifunctional community hub.

Morvern Community Woodlands will use £459,650 to acquire 94 hectares next to Lochaline on the Morvern Peninsula, developing woodland crofts, associated self-build plots, a community woodlot and recreation space, alongside management of broadleaf and commercial forestry. The project targets population decline, housing need, nature restoration and access to land while creating economic and volunteering opportunities.

Quarter Community Hub in South Lanarkshire will receive £93,406 to purchase the B-listed Quarter Parish Church as a base for its community activities.

The SLF is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by The National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).