Raasay community says "yes" to community ownership of Raasay House

Residents of the island of Raasay have voted by a clear majority in favour of the community acquiring Raasay House and its policies which are currently owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The result of the ballot was 65 in favour and 52 against, with a turnout of 74.5%.

In January the community voted in principle to investigate the merits of community ownership. A new Community Company was formed (Raasay House Community Company - RHCC) which complies with the requirements of the Land Reform Act. A new board, made up of directors living on the island, was elected by members of the new company, who must also be island residents.

Since January the new board has undertaken a huge amount of work to make sure that all the facts, and the implications of community ownership, were available to the community so that residents could vote in the full knowledge of what they were taking on.

The central element of the project is a proposed £3.5 million refurbishment of Raasay House, a historic, Grade A-Listed Building. Currently the house is tenanted by Raasay Outdoor Centre and RHCC's proposals involve the centre continuing as tenant once the refurbishment work is complete.

The new board has since January undertaken detailed research into the boundaries of the land planned to be transferred to the community, the scope of the work required to be carried out on the house and its policies, and negotiated a new commercial lease with the outdoor centre. The rent to be charged will reflect current commercial rental values and will be paid direct to the community company. The company will be able to use this in the management of the estate and the surplus will be available to support community projects. So for the first time the Raasay community would be the owners of an important part of the island's heritage and have a direct say in its future.

David Westgarth, Chairman of RHCC said: "The directors are delighted with a positive mandate from the community. We feel that the project offers very exciting opportunities for everyone, young and old alike, providing the potential for more local employment, more facilities for visitors, and the foundations for a more secure long-term future for the island's many children"

Robert Muir, Area Director for HIE Skye and Wester Ross, said: "We are delighted that the people of Raasay have taken this important step forward.  A 'yes' vote is more than just a go ahead for progress - it's an opportunity to shape the future of their island community for generations to come.

"The proposed project has the backing of the community, and the next step will be to complete the funding package over the course of the next few weeks. We look forward to working with everyone on Raasay to achieve their vision for a vibrant and sustainable island community".