Until recently, The Bays of Harris was a thriving community of several thousand, supporting many small shops and four schools.  But, by 2000, the area’s ageing population had sunk to just over 400.  As in so many areas, younger residents were migrating in search of better jobs and perceived better quality of life. Without them, the social and economic infrastructure was falling into catastrophic decline.

But, after three years Initiative at the Edge support, the bleak outlook has swung bright. Though slow, a momentum for change seems finally to have been achieved with a long list of development schemes now in action.

All projects here are community led and two development groups are now in action:  The Bays of Harris Association and The Bays of Harris Charitable Trust.  These now boast a 30-strong membership of all ages and abilities.

Projects Completed:

·            Improvements to piers at Drinishader, Stockinish and Flodabay.

·            Lease of Brown Trout Fishing rights from Bays of Harris Estate.

Projects underway:

 

·            Construction of the area’s first ever community centre and youth venue (est. completion, Nov. 2003)

The building, set on the shores of Loch Stockinish, features a futuristic wind turbine, public Internet access and will include a summer café facility. 

 

·            Renovation of historic Corn Mill and Drying Kiln, Flodabay.

We are seeking funding to restore the unique building, which fell into disuse during the First World War.  Bays residents hope the finished building will provide a needed tourist attraction.

·            Prawn Holding Facility – Stockinish.

Crofting and fishing have always been the mainstay of the Bays economy.  With this planned facility it is hoped fishermen can increase their income by ensuring full lorry loads are collected from the island for export, often to Spain.

·            Rodel Craft Village and museum.

An options study is underway to investigate the feasibility of this scheme, which would encourage resident artists to South Harris and provide a further tourist attraction in an already popular spot.

·            Drinishader Enhancement Scheme.

Seeking to raise quality of life, Drinishader residents are hoping for creation of community open space, a children’s play area, roadside footpaths and public toilets.  The scheme has attracted New Opportunities money along with LEADER+, Communities Scotland and Western Isles Enterprise.

Some Future Projects:

·            Guidebook to the Bays of Harris and Community Web Site.

·            Provision of visiting yacht facilities.

·            Community Land Bank: working with crofting communities to encourage release of unused croft land to enable young couples in particular to build homes in the area.

Bays of Harris had a very shaky start in the Initiative at the Edge and in the words of the Chairman of Bays of Harris Association “almost never got off the ground”. However once the projects started to be ticked off the “to- do” list confidence grew and the process gained a momentum that has turned around the fortunes of the area. The community confidence has increased substantially over the last two years. Testament to that are the projects embarked on that were not identified in the initial development plan, which displays a dynamism in the group; looking for new ideas when initial objectives are blocked or delayed. Examples of this are the BOHA taking over all the Brown trout fishing and then sub-letting them to Bays residents, the Rodel regeneration project and the corn mill project. The group is confident, well organised and supported.

The Bays of Harris exited the Initiate at the Edge on the 31st of March 04 and is now on the follow up phase

Further Information regarding the follow up process for Bays of Harris will be available in due course.

If you require further information please contact

Linda Lennie
Tel: 01851-700 455
E-mail linda.lennie@hient.co.uk