Who are we?
Stòras Uibhist is a community owned company that manages the 93,000 acre South Uist Estate comprising the Outer Hebridean islands of Eriskay, South Uist and parts of Benbecula.
Formed out of the community buy-out of the South Uist Estate in 2006, our aim is to put the interests and wellbeing of the islands’ inhabitants at the heart of all our activities. We are developing and supporting the natural, social and economic assets of the islands to foster a vibrant and sustainable economy; reverse population decline; protect local crofting practices; and generate employment opportunities for future generations.
Community Fund
A portion of the revenues from the Loch Carnan wind-farm are distributed to organisations and individuals within the community for developments, initiatives and business that will be of a economic, social or cultural benefit to the community as a whole.
Crofting
Over 95% of the Estate’s land is under crofting tenure: this means its inhabitants have rights to secure tenure and fair rents. We manage and support the islands’ crofting system in partnership with local and national bodies.
Renewable Energy
In 2013 the construction of three 2.3. MW wind-turbines in Loch Carnan was completed. These generate both renewable energy and an income that is returned to the community through the funding of further development projects.
Lochboisdale Development Limited
In 2015 a new Marina was constructed in Lochboisdale to provide the infrastructure for the further development of leisure sailing, fishing and industrial shipping in the islands. This has also allowed new land to be available for commercial and housing units.
Askernish Golf Course
The 120 year old ‘Old Tom Morris’ Course was restored by local volunteers in 2005 with the support of Stòras Uibhist and golf enthusiasts from around the world. In 2017 we were handed full responsibility for the management and further development of the course.
Grogarry Lodge & Sporting
Stòras owns and operates the 19th Century luxury sporting lodge at Grogarry: used by sporting parties and let out as catered and self-catering accommodation, as well as for large functions and community events. Our gamekeepers ensure that all sporting activities are sustainable and are conducted in line with environmental regulations and the interests of the local community.
Fishing
The many lochs dotted throughout the island offer some of the finest wild Brown Trout, Sea Trout and Salmon fishing in the United Kingdom. Our land management and gamekeeping staff work to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks with the cooperation of the local community and national agencies.
Vacancies
Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, a company limited by guarantee, was established to purchase the 93,000 acre South Uist Estate on behalf of the community in 2006. It is the parent company of South Uist Estates Ltd, an asset owning company, which in turn operates three trading companies, namely Stòras Uibhist Ltd; Lochboisdale Development Ltd; and South Uist Renewable Energy Ltd. As a membership organisation its remit is to deliver social and economic regeneration for the islands of Benbecula, Eriskay and South Uist.
