When the Isle of Gigha was put on the market in 2001, the community debated whether to buy the island themselves. The islanders were encouraged by the local MSP, George Lyon, and other bodies to take this step, which was unusual at the time and put Gigha in the vanguard of the Scottish land reform movement. The community voted on the proposals and a committee was elected with seven members, supported by advisors, to take the plan forward, and the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust was established.

The Scottish Land Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise supported the community’s plans with funds to secure Gigha for the Trust for £4,000,000 (four million pounds). Gigha was handed over to the Trust on the 15th March 2002, a day that is marked on the island every year as “Gigha Day”. The Trust is managed by a Board of voluntary Directors that are elected by the membership to develop the assets of the island, and take forward plans and projects for the community. 

However, the Scottish Land Fund required the repayment of £1,000,000 (one million pounds) by March 2004, an onerous task for a community with a population of just 100 people! In true Gigha style, the islanders rose to the challenge and the funds were raised by the community through soup 'n' sandwich days, ceilidhs, quiz nights, sponsored rows around the island, the sale of Achamore House and many more ventures. The one million pounds was paid within a year. 

Gigha has changed substantially since the buy-out and while the beauty of the island is as timeless as ever, the facilities and the infrastructure has steadily improved. Award-winning housing has been built and existing houses renovated as part of an ongoing investment programme. The Trust has sold plots for private residential development, giving islanders and incomers new opportunities. The population decline has been reversed and there are over 170 people now living on Gigha with an increased school role promising well for the future.

To add to the established dairy farms and aquaculture on Gigha, the buy-out has also encouraged many other businesses to become established. More visitors and improved facilities have enabled both islanders and others settling in the community to develop their enterprises and add to the economic growth of Gigha. While remaining a great place to explore, it has also become a good place for many to set up home and make a new life.