Millionaire Ian Wace's donation helps community buy 7,800 acres of crofting land

A Highland community has marked a “historic and transformative moment” after taking ownership of almost 8,000 acres of land with help from a donation from one of Britain’s richest men.

The community of Coigach in Wester Ross has been able to purchase around 7,800 acres of the Badentarbat Estate near Achiltibuie.

It comes following a personal donation from millionaire fund manager and philanthropist Ian Wace, who is estimated to be worth £875m and ranked 193 in 2024’s Sunday Times Rich List.

Badentarbet Estate was put up for sale for offers over £2.7m in early 2024.

Laura Hamlet - Coigach Community Development Company — Laura Hamlet – Coigach Community Development Company Supplied

The transfer of the land, which is home to around 70 tenanted and owner occupied crofts, has now been completed with the Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) hailing a ”historic and transformative” moment” for the peninsula.

Laura Hamlet, chief executive of CCDC, said: “Many communities that are fortunate enough to gain ownership of their land do so only after years of dedicated effort to raise the necessary capital.

“Today, and with thanks to Mr Wace, a substantial portion of land has passed into the hands of those who call this area home.

“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.”

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

Adam Blaker, CEO of Summer Isles Enterprises, said: “We are delighted that after months of hard work, we have completed this transaction, which secures the future of the crofted land for the community.

“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. I am also very grateful to the Rex family for making this all possible.”