Mackintosh offers Highland estate

Sir Cameron spent boyhood holidays in the area

Theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh is to offer to sell the bulk of his 15,000 acre West Highland estate to local people.

The laird has revealed plans for the estate to be taken over under a community buyout.

Sir Cameron bought the Nevis estate about 10 years ago and most people living locally welcomed his presence.

He has helped pay for local facilities during his time in the Highlands, such as a swimming pool and community hall.

He also supported the public buyout of the nearby Knoydart estate.

With the recent introduction of new laws and a National Lottery-backed fund to assist community ownership, the producer of successful stage hits like Cats and Phantom of the Opera wants residents to take control.

He admitted the move was an attempt to thwart a bid by one family to use crofting legislation to buy a number of crofts on his estate.

I feel strongly any decisions affecting the area should be taken with the overall interest of the community in mind Sir Cameron Mackintosh

Sir Cameron, who spent boyhood holidays in the area, said he would rather see community ownership than a small number of individuals taking over the land for personal gain.

In a letter to residents, Sir Cameron said: "The Nevis Estate is threatened with a break-up by one crofting family taking advantage of outdated crofting legislation and declaring their intention to buy nearly one-third of its area from the heart of the estate without giving any reason.

"I have consulted with my family and we have decided we would much prefer the majority of the estate was taken over by the whole community so it can continue to be managed for the good of everyone in the area."

'Good friend'

He added: "In an area of outstanding natural beauty with more and more of the local population depending on tourism, I feel strongly that any decisions affecting the area should be taken with the overall interest of the community in mind.

"If I am no longer able to do, I have every confidence the common sense and determination of the local community will best safeguard the area's future and decisions will be taken for the general benefit, not individual gain."

But Mallaig councillor Charlie King said he did not think the community on North Morar would go for a community buyout.

"I don't think there's an appetite among the residents for a buyout as they have lived under one landlord for so long," he said.

"Sir Cameron has been a good friend to the area and I think most people want things to remain as they are."