Small Scottish community of Ulva buys their own island

  • 22/06/2018

Members of a tiny Scottish community are celebrating after becoming owners of their very own island.

A family of four and a pensioner called Barry are now custodians of Ulva, an Inner Hebridean island.

Ulva once had a population of over 800 but this has declined over the years, leading the owner to decide to sell. Local residents formed the North West Mull Woodland Company to purchase Ulva a year ago.

The beautiful, remote island drew attention from wealthy individuals from all over the world. However the locals were successful.

It cost the community £4.5 million (NZ$8.66m) to buy the remote 4,500-acre island, which has remained untouched from development. Most of the money came from the Scottish Land Fund.

The new owners cut a ribbon to mark the occasion.

It is the first time in over 200 years the island hasn't been in the hands of one private landlord.

They say they now plan to regenerate the local economy and ultimately repopulate the island again.

Newshub.