大象传媒

At one point it had been suggested that as many as half the crofters were against the move but this proved unfounded. Islanders on Eriskay, South Uist and a large part of Benbecula have voted in favour of attempting what could become Scotland's biggest community purchase to date.

Community leaders said the ballot which secured a 70% majority to proceed with the purchase, was a "defining moment" in the area's history.

As well as 850 crofts, the 93,000 acre estate includes fish farming operations, quarries and shooting, mineral and fishing rights.