Raasay celebrates as work begins on house

Today (Monday 3 December) the residents and friends of Raasay are celebrating the transfer to community ownership of Raasay House, its policies, and other land previously owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

For the first time, the Raasay community itself will actually own land and premises on the island and be able to benefit directly from the income generated from current and future tenants.

Now, as landlords of the historic and iconic building, the community's elected representatives who make up the board of the Raasay House Community Company have the responsibility of developing these assets. The main purpose of the board is to work with company members and friends, for the benefit of all Raasay residents.

Raasay House Community Company (RHCC) was formed in February 2007 in accordance with the requirements of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, so all members must be on the electoral roll and be permanent residents of the Island.

The house and land were sold to the community by HIE for £30,000 and the Company has put together a funding package of over £4 million to finance the restoration and refurbishment of Raasay House a Grade A listed building. Funded by The Big Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and HIE, work will commence immediately on 3 December with completion targeted for February 2009.

David Westgarth, Chairman of the Raasay House Community Company said: "Over the past nine months the board have worked extremely hard to fulfil the wishes of the majority of the community. Today sees the culmination of all that work, and rewards the commitment that so many residents and friends of Raasay have put in over the past 20 years; without those early team efforts we would not have succeeded.

"During the period when the house is being renovated, RHCC will be seeking to develop and fund, again via community based partnerships, the historic walled garden, the woodlands and the shoreline for the benefit of the whole community."

On completion the existing tenants, the Raasay Outdoor Centre, will take a lease on the building. The refurbishment will enable them to develop their business on a year round basis, thus creating full time employment opportunities for young people on the island.

Robert Muir area director of HIE Skye and Wester Ross said: "The restoration of Raasay House will provide a welcome focus for the economic and social life of the island and play a pivotal role in the long term future of the island. "Community ownership of the house and associated land together with the other developments - new village hall, harbour, school extension, new playpark, affordable housing, better medical facilities - will position Raasay for a fantastic future."

The agreed rent for the tenancy will be paid directly to the community company and be used to support and develop island initiatives with the aim of further increasing the future economic development of Raasay.

Raasay Outdoor Centre director David Croy said: "This is a fantastic day that's been a long time in coming. It's a new beginning for us that will give us the opportunity to develop year round business in this stunningly beautiful part of the world. Thanks to the renovation of Raasay House we will be able to operate throughout the winter months and create more full time positions.

"Activity holidays, adventure sports and corporate events are all markets that we are keen to grow, and we now have great potential for one-off events, where the use of the house will be a particular asset."

Alison MacLeod RHCC project officer said: "The transfer of Raasay House into community ownership is just the start of a whole new outlook on life for the people of Raasay. It offers 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."

William Roe chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise said: "Raasay is an outstanding example of how small island communities can focus local skills and experience to achieve their ambitions through self determination and teamwork."