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Scalpay islanders vote on takeover Scalpay islanders vote in favour of takeover
(about 9 hours later)
Islanders are voting on whether to take over the running of Scalpay, off Harris. Residents on Scalpay, off Harris, have voted to take over the running of the island.
The laird, English businessman Fred Taylor, has offered inhabitants the island for free. The current laird, English businessman Fred Taylor, had offered inhabitants the island for free.
Three hundred people are eligible to vote on whether to go it alone, or go into partnership with the North Harris Community Trust. After a vote count at Scalpay Community Hall on Tuesday evening it was a very clear result in favour of the take over - with 197 for and just eight against.
The poll will close at 16:00 and the votes will be counted at Scalpay Community Hall from 19:30. Islanders also voted to go into partnership with the North Harris Community Trust to run the island.
Island minister, the Reverend Kenny Macdonald of the Free Church Continuing, said there was a mood of change on Scalpay.
He said: "I think the mood is that something needs to be done and, for the good of the island, I don't think anybody would argue with that.
"People will have different views as to the best way forward."
The island's population has fallen by half since the 1970s and 80s and its primary school closed in June after the roll fell to four.The island's population has fallen by half since the 1970s and 80s and its primary school closed in June after the roll fell to four.
Paul Finnegan, of Scalpay Community Land Buyout Steering Group, said there were plans for the school building. Speaking before the votes were counted, Paul Finnegan, of Scalpay Community Land Buyout Steering Group, said there were plans for the school building.
He said: "One suggestion that has come forward is using it for business units for small craft workshops.He said: "One suggestion that has come forward is using it for business units for small craft workshops.
"We've already identified three people who live in Scalpay who are keen to take them on.""We've already identified three people who live in Scalpay who are keen to take them on."