ISLANDERS have voted to push ahead with a community buyout of a 26,800-acre estate on Lewis for £500,000.
The result of last night's ballot brings to a successful end an 11-year battle by people living in the South Lochs area of the island to purchase Pairc Estate.
The price has been agreed between community-led Pairc Trust and landowner Barry Lomas, of Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, avoiding the need for a hostile buyout as was once feared.
In total, 166 people voted yes, representing 68.3% of the vote, with 77 (31.7%) against. There were 243 votes (62.7% turnout).
Angus McDowall, the chairman of Pairc Trust, said: "Now that the terms negotiated with the landlord for an amicable transfer of the estate have been endorsed by the community, we will proceed to conclude Missives and register title to the estate as soon as possible."
The aim is to develop the estate to create more jobs, improve facilities and reverse a century of population decline.
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