Eilean Bàn Trust
The aim of the Trust, then as now, is to keep Eilean Bàn in community ownership with a view to re-emphasize its associated heritage, and to instigate a program of environmental and conservation measures. Such measures not only benefit the many species that inhabit the island, but also maintain the island as a community asset with a significant bearing on the local economy.
A Community Project
The island’s importance was officially recognised in the 1800’s when Trinity House took the decision to establish a lighthouse, to help ensure safe passage through the Loch Alsh channel. With its completion in 1857, the lighthouse sealed Eilean Bàn’s significance to those who used and lived by these waters, becoming a focal point for passing sailors, fishermen and all those from the local communities who left their homes for any length of time. Eilean Bàn signalled their departure from families and loved ones, and their first glimpse of home on return.
It was not until automation of the lighthouse, and therefore the departure of the lighthouse keepers, that private individuals were able to live on Eilean Bàn. Gavin Maxwell is known as the most famous of the subsequent residents. Maxwell made the island his own, and with the hardwork and skills of his close friend (and later biographer) Richard Frere, the two lighthouse keepers cottages were transformed into one single, impressive dwelling. However, the island was not destined to stay in private ownership, as the Scottish Office eventually made a compulsory purchase to enable the Skye road bridge to be built.
After completion of the Bridge in 1995, the Scottish Office took the decision to sell the island by auction. They had not, however, counted on the strong and deep association of the island within the neighbouring village communities. When the residents of Kyleakin and Kyle of Lochalsh heard of the proposed sale, they began a campaign to stop it and to bring the island back into community ownership instead.
At the same time the Born Free Foundation (BFF) had learnt of the proposed auction, and had also started a campaign of opposition. It was not long before each group learned of the other’s existence and, recognising their shared aims and strength in numbers, the BFF and the two communities joined forces. The ultimate success of this collaboration saw the island withdrawn from auction and in 1998 the Eilean Bàn Trust was formed with representatives from the two local communities and the BFF.
Teko Grave
John MacRae
John (‘Johnny Ach’) was a founder member of the Eilean Bàn Trust, its Chairman for five years, and without his hard work, support and especially his infectious enthusiasm, the Trust would probably not have been born. Together with the support of the Born Free Foundation, John rallied local support and negotiated with organisations far and wide to ensure the continuing care and management of the precious environment of Eilean Bàn. He was the Trust’s greatest ambassador, whose knowledge of the area, wildlife and Gavin Maxwell made him a great speaker.
John was also a popular figure throughout Scotland in the world of shinty, an excellent player and experienced referee, including being in charge of the international match between Scotland and Ireland in Inverness in October 2005.
He worked around the clock as harbour master and travelled widely in his endeavour to promote Kyle of Lochalsh as a harbour, in an effort to bring prosperity to his community. He is greatly missed.
John died early Wednesday 25 January 2006 of a heart attack at the young age of 50 and is survived by his wife, Alison, and five daughters.