The Bays of Harris community has secured more than £1 million in funding towards bringing the Bays of Harris Estate into community ownership.

Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd has been awarded £1,082,680 from the Scottish Land Fund, providing the funding required to progress the purchase of the estate.

The award marks a significant milestone in a process that began 14 years ago and brings the community closer to its long-standing ambition of owning and managing the estate for the benefit of current and future generations.

"This success has only been made possible through the dedication and support of a great many individuals, organisations and funders over the years," said Euan Galloway, Chair of Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point. The Scottish Land Fund's support means we can now move forward with confidence towards completing the purchase by the end of the year."

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The funding follows a community ballot in favour of the purchase in 2022 and an agreement reached with the estate's owners last year to sell the property.

The Scottish Land Fund award will cover the purchase of the estate, associated legal costs and the appointment of an Estate Manager during the first year of community ownership.

Work is now underway with solicitors and other professional advisers to complete the remaining legal processes. This includes detailed mapping of the estate boundaries, with the community aiming to complete the purchase within the next six months.

Following completion, an Annual General Meeting will be held, with all members invited to attend. Membership currently stands at almost 250 people.

The existing Interim Board will step down at the meeting, allowing members to elect a new Board of Directors to oversee the estate and help shape its long-term future.

One of the new Board's first responsibilities will be to appoint an Estate Manager. The new role will provide a local employment opportunity and involve overseeing the day-to-day management of the estate while helping to deliver the community's long-term plans.

Funding for the position during the first year has been provided through the Scottish Land Fund award, ensuring professional support is available to the new Board from the beginning of community ownership.

The Interim Board will continue to oversee the transition process, with a focus on ensuring the move into community ownership is carried out fairly, openly and transparently.

The process is intended to provide the incoming Board with a strong democratic mandate to make decisions on behalf of the community.