Islanders on South Uist have taken control of their estate in Scotland’s biggest ever community land buyout.

The estate, which was owned by a sporting syndicate, has changed hands in a £4.5m deal.

The transfer has taken place amid storms battering the Western Isles and police warned that winds could gust to 70-80 mph.

The 92,000-acre area accounts for nearly a quarter of the Outer Hebrides land mass.

Angus Macmillan, chairman of the buyout group Storas Uibhist (Gaelic for the store or wealth of Uist) said a detailed agreement in principle had been reached which allows the purchase to proceed.

It has sparked celebrations across the estate.

Mr Macmillan said: “I thank the directors and shareholders of South Uist Estate for their constructive attitude throughout the negotiations.

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