North Uist land raid farm up for grabs

08 September 1998

North Uist ‘land raid’ farm up for grabs

THE island farm which was the subject of the last “land raid” in Scotland 46 years ago may be the focus of a new community effort to take over the land.

Balelone Farm in the west of North Uist is one of the largest farms in the Western Isles. It is up for sale following the death of Mr Norman Macaulay, a partner in Kirkibost, the company which owned it. Bids are expected to reach £500,000 for the 809ha (2000 acre) estate.

Scotlands Community Land Unit says it received inquiries from local people looking to buy it. The crofters of nearby Balmartin also sought help from a Government agency, the Department of Agriculture, to buy the farm 46 years ago.

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  The Herald 08/09/98 page 7