Achiltibuie group gifted £1.7m donation from millionaire
AN Achiltibuie community development company has accepted a £1.7m donation from a millionaire, in order to buy the majority of the 8887-acre Badentarbat Estate in Coigach.
In July, the Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) was looking into a community buyout of the estate — however, considering that none of the last four community buyout applications in the last five years have been successful, it was deemed to be a “longshot”.
But not long after, CCDC received a proposal from millionaire financer Ian Wace, where he offered to gift CCDC the funding to purchase Badentarbet Estate.
Ian Wace is renowned locally as the millionaire who bought Tanera Mòr in 2017 — the largest of Achiltibuie’s Summer Isles. His venture on the Wester Ross island has sustained over 150 local jobs.
After a vote which saw approximately 90 per cent of the community voting ‘yes’ to the proposal, Mr Wace was taken up on his offer — with the board officially approving donation documents on October 21.
The organisation has repeatedly noted that its top priority is securing affordable housing for the area. As well as the deal with Mr Wace, the group have also been busy with a proposal, which is currently under consideration of the Highland Council, to build ten new affordable houses in Achiltibuie.
CCDC said in community update statement: “Yesterday evening the Board of Coigach Community Development Company met and approved the documents that will allow it to accept the donation of £1.75m from Ian Wace (under the Donation Agreement negotiated between us) and use those funds to buy the majority of the crofted lands in the Badentarbet Estate.
“Adam Blaker of Summer Isles Enterprises explained that Ian Wace was offering to donate money to enable the community to purchase the non-crofted parts of the estate, through CCDC as the appropriate registered body to hold land on the community’s behalf.
“CCDC is organizing an initial meeting for Badentarbet estate residents to discuss what they wish to happen next and explore opportunities together on November 27th. Representatives from HIE and Community Land Scotland will be present and we are open to suggestions for other invited speakers/advisors. This will not be the only opportunity to engage. Crofters and other residents are welcomed and encouraged to continue to work with CCDC on future plans on an ongoing basis.”
The community update statement went on to note that if the group had refused the donation, Mr Wace would have bought the whole estate.
