Eigg's biggest party starts here
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It was, according to islander Maggie Fyffe, "the biggest party Eigg has ever seen".
Mrs Fyffe had helped lead the campaign that yesterday reached fruition: the 68-strong population of the tiny Scottish island were finally able to celebrate their independence, for the first time in generations.
The islanders, as part of a trust which includes Highland Council and Scottish Wildlife Trust, secured control after its owner, the German artist Marlin Eckhard Maruma, was forced to sell up by creditors.
Even before the first boat of the day brought visitors to the island that had for decades been a "rich man's plaything", the party was beginning. A celebration bonfire blazed so brightly that it was said its flames could be seen from the mainland.
After prayers of dedication a plaque was unveiled and a lone piper led guests to a marquee. There they heard speeches from councillors, wildlife experts and the islanders themselves, while children sang songs.
Their population swelled by an unprecedented 400 visitors - and lubricated by beer and whisky - the islanders heard the Government promise it would help them achieve their own form of home rule.
The Scottish Office minister, Brian Wilson, among the VIPs on the island for the celebrations, said he had asked Highlands and Islands Enterprise to form a "support unit" to boost community land ownership.
A donation of pounds 900,000 from a mystery benefactor helped the islanders seal the pounds 1.5m deal and end the island's ownership by outside landlords.
In a prepared statement the islanders said "a huge thank you to the thousands of people who have helped make our dreams come true.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments