Millionaire's donation helps community buy 7,800 acres

Coigach Community Development Company has taken ownership of land near Achiltibuie

A community group has taken ownership of almost 8,000 acres (3,237 ha) of land near Achiltibuie in the Coigach area of Wester Ross with help from one of the UK's richest men.

Badentarbet Estate was put up for sale for offers over £2.7m earlier this year.

Millionaire financier Ian Wace, who owns the nearby island of Tanera Mòr in the Summer Isles, made a donation of £1.75m to Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) to help it purchase most of the estate.

Mr Wace's Summer Isles Enterprises (SIE) has bought the remaining 1,100 acres (445 ha), including Achnahaird beach and four small islands.

CCDC chief executive Laura Hamlet said that with Mr Wace's support a substantial area of land was now owned by people who lived there, including crofters.

She said: "At CCDC, we take this responsibility very seriously.

"As a newly established crofting landlord, we are committed to listening, understanding and responding promptly to the needs of our tenant crofters."

Ms Hamlet added: "Yet, there is plenty of room for excitement, as this marks a historic and transformative moment for the peninsula."

CCDC purchase involves 7,800 acres.

Ian Wace, right, pictured at a gala dinner with the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011

Hedge fund manager and philanthropist Mr Wace was estimated to be worth £875m and ranked 193 in 2024 The Sunday Times Rich List.

SIE chief executive Adam Blaker said the transaction secured land for the local community.

He added: "We look forward to working with our neighbours to help make Ian Wace’s donation to CCDC a catalyst for regeneration across the beautiful Coigach peninsula."

Mr Blaker thanked the Rex family, who have owned the estate for several decades, for making the sale possible.

SIE has bought more than 1,000 acres, which includes Achnahaird beach