The regional development agency bought the 2,337-hectare estate in 1997 to stimulate the local economy and encourage resettlement by providing access to land and affordable housing.
It now comprises a 1,690-hectare farm, six smallholdings, two workshops and 612 hectares of forestry. All of these are under active management.
Four houses have been built on estate land bought from HIE; two by smallholding tenants and two by the Skye and Lochalsh Housing Association. The association rents out its two properties, as well as two HIE-owned homes, as affordable housing. It also owns plots for a further two houses yet to be built.
The two workshops are leased to commercial enterprises.
Twelve people in five families now derive at least part of their income from commercial activity on the estate.
On buying Orbost 22 years ago, HIE always intended to transfer ownership, either to a community group or other interests that would protect tenants and provide long-term community and economic benefits.
HIE’s exit plans include offering the farm and farmhouse for sale to the tenant and converting the smallholdings into six new crofts, which would also be offered for sale to the current tenants. The HIE-owned housing would likewise be offered for sale, either to occupants or to the housing association. The agency is currently exploring potential community interest in the forestry area before considering an open market sale.
Robert Muir, HIE’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross area manager, said:
“We’ve kept our ownership of Orbost estate under regular review. There has been considerable progress in deriving benefits from the estate, particularly access to land for farming and crofting and workshop space for commercial enterprises. New affordable housing has been provided with potential for more.
“With the estate now in a much stronger position, we feel this is the time for HIE to begin a phased exit.
“This will be done in a way that protects tenants and the progress made so far and enables continuation of community and economic benefits long into the future.
“We have briefed tenants of the estate about the plans. We have also consulted partner agencies about the forestry proposals and written to community groups who may be interested in taking this on.
“It is important that Orbost continues to contribute to the local economy and the resilience of the community.”
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A new website which makes it easier for businesses to get information and support is one of the measures in a refreshed Economic Action Plan for Scotland.
Bhuannaich Marissa NicDhomhaill Sgoil an Rubha an Duais Choimhearsnachd, Dualchais is Turasachd le taic bho Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean (HIE) aig Duaisean na Gàidhlig an raoir
Dr Stuart Black has been appointed area manager for HIE in Moray.
R&B Distillers, owners of the Isle of Raasay Distillery, has secured up to £200,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Eleven young people from the Highlands have become the first to complete a year-long business support programme designed to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Martin Johnson, HIE’s interim director of strategy and regional economy, looks at the importance of islands in the country’s economy.
Staff at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in Stornoway will join Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Comhairle) at its HQ on Sandwick Road next week.
A family run business on the isle of Bute is embarking on a £330,000 expansion project that will double its workforce and boost turnover.
Ambitious new plans to improve visitor facilities on the Isle of Gigha have secured a £135,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Fourteen delegates from organisations across Europe that are tackling socio-economic challenges will visit the Highlands this week.
