Bays of Harris Community Estate Secures Agreement to Purchase Bays of Harris Estate
Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd is delighted to announce a major milestone in its journey toward community ownership. The community-led company has reached an agreement in principle with the current landowner, the Hitchcock family, for the purchase of the Bays of Harris Estate.
This landmark agreement follows several months of constructive and respectful engagement between the Interim Board of Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd and the landowners. The next steps include finalising the Heads of Terms and securing the necessary funding to complete the purchase.
“This agreement is a significant step forward and reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the long-term future of the Estate is shaped and stewarded by the local community”, said Euan Galloway, Chair of Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd. “I want to express our sincere thanks to the Hitchcock family for their positive and collaborative approach, and to the residents of the Estate whose support and involvement have brought us to this point.”
The community-owned company will now submit applications for funding, including a key application to the Scottish Land Fund. Once funding is secured, the purchase will be completed—bringing the Bays of Harris Estate under community ownership.
Bays of Harris Community Estate Ltd currently has close to 150 members and associate members and continues to welcome new members. You can sign up here. Local residents are strongly encouraged to become full members, which is free of charge and entitles them to vote on Estate matters. Those who support the project but live outside the Estate can join as Associate Members (also free of charge) and take part in discussions, although without voting rights.
“This is a pivotal moment—one made possible by your continued support, engagement, and belief in the power of local ownership,” added Galloway. “We are committed to keeping our community informed as we move forward with funding, due diligence, and, ultimately, the transfer of the Estate into community hands.”
Further updates will follow as progress is made, including opportunities for residents to contribute ideas for the Estate’s future, attend public meetings, vote for a new Board and participate in planning and development decisions.
To become a member, please visit:
🔗 www.baysofharris.org/become-a-member
Media Contact:
euan.galloway@baysofharris.org
www.baysofharris.org