ABOUT

We are a Community Company designed to develop the economic, social and cultural sustainability of our community by harnessing and promoting the quality of our resources, people and enviroment, for the long term benefit of all members of our present and future community. Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (Barra and Vatersay Community) Ltd is a community owned company whose aim is to support community development on Barra and Vatersay. The company is managed by a volunteer board of directors drawn from the Company membership. The membership of the company stands at 275 presently, and is open to any residents of Barra and Vatersay who are on the voting register.  The company was established in 2005 to give Barra and Vatersay’s access to the Iomairt aig an Oir/Initiative at the Edge Programme in early 2005, and in Autumn 2007 Barra and Vatersay hosted a very successful Iomairt aig an Oir annual conference. Since inception, the company has been effective at attracting inward investment to the islands, and in highlighting issues of importance for the local community. The Company was formerly supported by HIE, CnES, the Crofters Commission and the Scottish Government, but since 2009 has been mainly supported by HIE, and partially supplemented by a revenue stream supplied from a successful wind turbine based renewable energy project. Revenue has also been raised through the provision of environmental and renewable energy based research projects. In the longer term there is an aim to develop business strands which will enable the company to function free of direct subsidy. To this end, in addition to promoting community development projects, the Company is pursuing other projects which will develop a future income stream.

“Our aim is to develop the economic, social and cultural sustainability of the Barra and

Vatersay Community.”