COULD YOU RUN AN ISLAND?

by **Kintyre Forum News** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:44 pm

Press release from ABC

COULD YOU RUN AN ISLAND?

The Leader of Argyll and Bute Council has this week spoken about the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust's bid to try and attract a new business manager to the island.

Six years after the community buy-out, the island of Gigha is thriving. Many of those who previously left have returned and, along with a diverse group of newcomers, they have raised the population beyond 150 - reversing a decline that was damaging the community. The island's primary school roll has also jumper from six to 23 pupils.

The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT) is now seeking a new business manager and a property officer to work alongside the trust and the local community to continue the exciting development work on the island.

Talking about the post, Council Leader Councillor Dick Walsh said: "The position of business manager lies at the heart of the ongoing success of the community and is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to make a real difference. It also has the added benefit of being based in one of the most scenic parts of the country.

"The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust has done an incredible job since the community buy out in 2002 and has come on leaps on bounds since then, creating employment on the island, new businesses and , with the help of external funders, their very own wind farm. The Trust has also contributed to more affordable housing being built on the island after selling land to Fyne Homes.

"I wish the islanders and the trust every success in filling these two important job vacancies and look forward to hearing of further development in the future."

EDITOR'S NOTES

The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust paid just over £4 million to purchase the island from the laird in 2002. This was made up of a grant from the Scottish Land Fund of £3.5m and a Highlands and Islands Enterprise grant of £500,000. Both grants were the biggest ever awarded at that time for such a venture and £1 million of the money had to be paid back by the Trust to the Scottish Land Fund as a condition of the grant. This was achieved in 2004 through the hard work and determination of the community, by selling Achamore House and by setting up a number of other money making ventures, including Gigha Whisky and Gigha Tartan.