Bute islanders complete forest buyout deal
28 JulyThe buyout of part of a forest on Bute by islanders has finally been completed, it has been confirmed.
The purchase was backed by 93% of residents on Bute in a referendum back in February, and now the sale of part of a forest previously owned by film director Richard Attenborough has been completed.
The cash was raised by buying Rhubodach Forest for £1.475m then selling part of the Mount Stuart Estate for £1.25m.
The Bute Community Land Company, set up to buy the forest also received funding from Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and from community and private funders.
There are plans to develop walking and mountain bike trails, woodland play areas, eco lodges and a forest hub to attract the green tourist market.
You can read more on this story here on the BBC website.
So the deal is finally done - and the islanders now own the forest! What do you think? Post your comments and have your say here on s1bute
Follow us on: