Sustainable development in remote communities: three models of community ownership

Organized by: Nordic Horizons 14. September 2017

Community control has brought new resources and populations to remote parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands – places the private market didn’t always reach.


Sunday, October 15, 12:45 - 13:45

Eigg is the first island in Scottish history to be bought back from a private absentee owner. Applecross now has a hydro electric system – Apple Juice – owned by the community. And the world’s first community owned distillery is about to start production in Dingwall.

How have these buyouts tackled problems of depopulation, high energy prices and unemployment? Join us to find out how these local economies are being stimulated through innovative models of community investment and ownership.

“Scotland and the New North” is the focus of the Arctic Forum to be hosted in Scotland in November 2017. Sustainable economic development in remote communities will be a major theme to be explored during the forum.

Speakers:

  • Maggie Fyffe MBE, Secretary of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust: Eigg – the community owned island. Eiggtricity
  • John Fraser Mckenzie, a helicopter pilot, farmer and green energy advocate: GlenWyvis – the community owned distillery, The Community Spiri
  • Alison Macleod, Development Officer for Applecross Community Company: From petrol to Apple Juice

Chair:

  • Lesley Riddoch, Director of Nordic Horizons