Ministers have completed their U turn on the lease of the sporting rights on Raasay, effectively restoring them to the island's crofters for the next 10 years.
In February many in the Highlands and Islands were shocked that for the sake of only £2000 a year more, the Scottish Government had accepted a bid from a stalking firm based in south Ayrshire after tendering the rights.
It was around two and a half times time the £1150 bid from the Raasay Crofters Association (RCA) who had spent the previous 18 years developing deer management on the island.
Islanders said it reminded them of the days when the old Scottish Office was selling many properties to Dr John Green of Sussex between 1961 and 1979. He visited the island only twice but obstructed the islanders at every turn which earned him the title "Dr No".
But within a week the Scottish Government responded, buying the rights back and restoring them to the crofters till November.
Yesterday it was announced that the RCA had been offered a five year lease, with the option for an automatic five year extension.
Officials from the Scottish Government will meet with the crofters to finalise details, including ensuring transparency in management of the rights and measures to deliver enhanced community benefits.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "The proposed approach to a new lease offers the best solution in that it respects the wishes of the majority of the respondents that RCA should continue to have the sporting rights, but also ensures that the benefit to the community and the island is maximised."
The secretary of Raasay Crofters' Association, Anne Gillies said "I think it sounds pretty good."
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