Raasay House Trust members vote in favour of restructure

At an Extraordinary General Meeting last night, members of the Raasay House Trust, voted in favour of restructuring the trust to keep in line with current practice regarding community ownership of land and other assets. 

The restructuring process will transfer control of the trust to the people of Raasay. This will enable the community to make key decisions about the future of Raasay House and its environs should the proposed community buyout proceed. The change will make the trust more democratic and accountable to the Raasay community by restricting voting membership to Raasay residents and having a majority of community directors on the board.

Ralph Palmer, chairman of Raasay House Trust welcomed the members' resolution outcome.  He said:  "We are delighted that the current members of the trust have approved proposals to restructure - it's the first important step in the process to transfer Raasay House and its assets into the ownership of the community. The first task of the new board is to ensure that the people of Raasay are aware of the extent of the project before the ballot."

A ballot will take place in January where all residents registered to vote at a Raasay address will be given a ballot paper.  A positive outcome is needed in order to make sure that the community is supportive of the community ownership proposals and development of Raasay House. Drop-in sessions will be organised where people can ask questions, and another Raasay House Trust newsletter will be available soon. 

As the grounds and policies will be acquired as well as the House, there will be opportunities for further development in a wider area.

Over the coming months, the trust will continue to work closely with the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, the Highland Council, and Raasay Outdoor Centre to progress evolving the trust into one that is fully controlled by the community.