Highlands and Islands Enterprise has today (Monday) agreed to support the proposed community buyout of Amhuinnsuidhe and North Harris estate with a financial contribution from the agency's Community Land Unit.

The support, which is subject to contributions from other sources including the Scottish Land Fund, will help the community to submit a realistic bid in time for the closing date of this Thursday (19th September).

John Watt, head of HIE's Community Land Unit, said:  "There has been a great deal of hard work going on behind the scenes, particularly by the community itself, where members have been working tirelessly on this.  We have been very impressed with the application and the thought that the community has put into the bid and I'm very pleased that we are able to confirm our support."