Ulva's community ownership dream turns into a costly nightmare

In Scotland, the community of Ulva was granted ownership of the island following a 2017 announcement by then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. However, seven years later, the reality has diverged significantly from the initial vision. Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the management by the North West Mull Community Woodland Company, citing a lack of transparency and poor communication. Many feel that despite the change in ownership, they remain tenants under a new landlord, leading to feelings of discontent among the 16 current residents. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure and health risks have compounded frustrations, with some residents questioning the motivations behind the community buyout. The board of the management company has acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in establishing a clearer complaints procedure and increasing resident representation. Despite the millions of public funds invested in the island, the situation has deteriorated, leaving the community grappling with decay and disillusionment. The initial hopes for a thriving community have been overshadowed by ongoing challenges, raising concerns about the effectiveness of community ownership in this context.