Community interest in Strathaird Farm

Trust responds to interest in community buyout at Strathaird Farm on Isle of Skye.

The John Muir Trust is aware of the Scottish Government’s decision to register an interest by the Elgol and Strathaird Development Trust in Strathaird Farm under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act. This registration provides the community body with a pre-emptive right to buy should the land ever be offered for sale.

The Trust would like to make it clear that it has no plans to sell Strathaird Farm - this land constitutes a key aspect of our work to protect and restore wild places on the Isle of Skye, in line with our charitable purpose and long-term land management objectives.

We recognise and respect the community’s interest in the area, and the Trust is committed to continuing to work constructively with the Elgol and Strathaird community to explore opportunities that support local priorities while delivering on our charitable objectives.

In line with a policy approved by our Board, the Trust has already given a commitment that, should there ever be a decision to dispose of any land at Strathaird (or elsewhere), it would be offered to the community in the first instance. We note the registration of interest and our focus remains on continuing to care for the land and working collaboratively with local people to protect this important wild place.