Social Enterprise of The Year 2024: The Story of Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust
The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT) stands as a powerful example of how a small community of just 160 people can come together to drive extraordinary and transformative change. In our earlier case studies, we highlighted their efforts in collective leadership and their commitment to involving young people. These examples showed how IGHT has built a strong foundation for rural community development.
As of 2024, the Trust has achieved something truly special. By winning the coveted Social Enterprise of the Year Award at Scotland’s annual Social Enterprise Awards 2024, they are setting a new standard for rural social enterprises across the globe. They were also honoured as the runner-up at the Social Enterprise Awards UK, highlighting their remarkable impact on a national scale. This recognition celebrates their dedication to sustainability, inclusivity and empowering their community.
Credits: Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust
This small island off the west coast of Scotland has come a long way. For decades, absentee landlords had controlled Gigha’s fate, leaving the significantly smaller population of about 100 residents uncertain about their future. Even though they were less in number, the community came forward to buy the land when Gigha was put on the market for sale.
Under the leadership of a determined group of locals, they formed the IGHT, a body that would represent the collective interest of the islanders. With the support from the Scottish Land Fund and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Trust successfully purchased the island for £4 million. On the 15th of March 2002 (now celebrated in the island as ‘Gigha Day’), Gigha became Scotland’s first community owned island under Scotland’s land reform policies. Remarkably, within a year, the community also raised the initial £1 million needed to begin repaying the loan from the Scottish Land Fund.
Since the community ownership, the Trust had numerous challenges to tackle. Homes were in poor condition, roads needed repair, and the local economy was extremely weak. But by working collectively and bringing in expertise and support from a range of stakeholders they were able to do the extraordinary, far beyond what is expected from a small community.
Social enterprises do amazing work, particularly in rural communities where they are often providing crucial services that would otherwise be unavailable. The importance of a community is magnified in remote and rural settings, and it is heartening to see the work of social enterprises in this sector recognised at a national level.
With a very forward-thinking development officer, they set up the ‘Three Dancing Ladies’ using secondhand vestas turbines to create renewable energy. A bigger fourth turbine has joined them, and together, Gigha Renewable Energy Ltd donated £193,078 last year to support housing and development on the island. IGHT houses are now in excellent condition with ongoing improvements and sought after properties, helping to meet housing needs on the island. Five new homes are also being built with the funding secured from the Rural and Islands Housing Fund.
The Dancing Ladies of Gigha
Credits: Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust
The Trust has also taken a pro-active approach supporting community-led tourism, recently completing a campsite and campervan site, and running a bike and watersports shed. The Gateway to Gigha project has improved path networks, promoting sustainable transport around the island. Environmental efforts focus on protecting Gigha’s Woodlands and Achamore Gardens. The Trust’s Ranger organises activities for all ages, including the popular Furboch hunt, which delights younger children as they search for these hidden treasures. Along the way, visitors also learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage and ancient history.
The journey was not easy for Gigha. But with an approach that prioritises collective leadership and sustainable development, they are setting a great example as a rural social enterprise that puts people, place, and the planet first. “We are aware of the amazing work social enterprises do; therefore, we are honoured to have received this award. Social enterprises do amazing work, particularly in rural communities where they are often providing crucial services that would otherwise be unavailable. The importance of a community is magnified in remote and rural settings, and it is heartening to see the work of social enterprises in this sector recognised at a national level.” – says Jane Miller, the Development Manager of IGHT.
It’s a remarkable achievement for Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust to be named Social Enterprise of the Year 2024. This accolade not only highlights the Trust’s exceptional commitment to community empowerment and sustainability but also underscores the vital role rural social enterprises play in leading by example. Following the success of Isle of Skye Ferry last year, this back-to-back recognition shines a spotlight on the innovation and resilience of Scotland’s rural social enterprises, showcasing their profound impact on local communities and beyond.
Social Enterprise Scotland has been hosting the Social Enterprise of the Year Awards to celebrate and highlight the incredible contributions made by social enterprises across the country. These awards shine a spotlight on organisations that combine social impact with business principles, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities. Rural social enterprises are being recognised for their efforts year after year with Isle of Skye Ferry CIC winning the Award in 2023.
“It’s a remarkable achievement for Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust to be named Social Enterprise of the Year 2024. This accolade not only highlights the Trust’s exceptional commitment to community empowerment and sustainability but also underscores the vital role rural social enterprises play in leading by example. Following the success of Isle of Skye Ferry last year, this back-to-back recognition shines a spotlight on the innovation and resilience of Scotland’s rural social enterprises, showcasing their profound impact on local communities and beyond.” – says Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland.