A parcel of land embroiled in a legal fight has now been sold for a housing development.
Melbost and Branahuie crofters went to court over the site of a former RAF station and the wider airfield ground, maintaining it was their agricultural grazings.
The Scottish Land Court ruled the aerodrome belonged to the crofters, saying the ground was never legally removed from crofting tenure nor compulsory purchased when used as a military airfield during WW2.
But this view was later overturned on appeal at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Now, Highlands and Islands Airports (Hial) has sold nine acres to Calmax Construction which has lodged plans to build 34 houses.
The selling price for the ground at the Melbost Road junction was not disclosed.
The derelict site was zoned for housing many years ago but has been used for livestock grazing since the air force moved out.
Hial managing director Inglis Lyon, said: “It has always been our intention to develop this land, not for profit, but to create affordable, high-
“We believe new housing will not only bring growth to the area but will also help a large number of local islanders onto the property ladder and create a vibrant, sustainable community.”
Calmax development manager, Donald Mackay, said: “We are pleased to have secured the purchase of this land from Hial.
“This site has been ear-
“We believe this site has the potential to be an attractive gateway opportunity to the islands and is an ideal development and regeneration opportunity that is visually and economically beneficial.
“It will provide affordable, sustainable and energy efficient housing in a desirable location for local people seeking to get on the property ladder.”
An outline masterplan has been created that also shows potential for future development which could work in conjunction with the proposed 34-
Disputed land at former RAF base at Stornoway Airport sold for housing
1 November 2020
