Eigg, an island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, underwent a remarkable transformation in ownership and energy use, showcasing a unique blend of community spirit, environmental innovation, and self-sufficiency.
For centuries, Eigg was owned by various landlords, often distant and disconnected from the island's needs and its people. This changed dramatically in 1997 when, after a notable campaign that attracted international attention, the island's residents collectively raised £1.5 million ($2.48 million) to purchase Eigg from its then-owner, an eccentric German artist known as Maruma. This purchase marked the first time in Scottish history that an island had been bought by its inhabitants, fundamentally altering the social and economic landscape of Eigg [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world).
Ownership by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, representing the community, has empowered residents and led to substantial improvements in living conditions and infrastructure. A significant milestone was the creation of Eigg Electric, a community-owned company that launched a pioneering electricity scheme in 2008. Prior to this, the island relied on diesel generators for power, which were both costly and environmentally detrimental. The new scheme, costing around £1.6 million and funded by the European Union and national bodies, connected every house to a grid powered by renewable energy sources—hydro, solar, and wind—making Eigg one of the greenest islands in the world [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world) [[❞]](https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/countries/united-kingdom-uk/eigg).
This transition to renewable energy, while enhancing quality of life, has not been without its challenges. For instance, the electrical system has a capacity limitation, requiring residents and businesses to use energy judiciously. Nonetheless, the scheme has brought about significant environmental benefits and fostered a sense of community resilience and self-reliance. Eigg's journey from feudal ownership to community empowerment and sustainable living serves as an inspiring model for other communities worldwide [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world) [[❞]](https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/countries/united-kingdom-uk/eigg).
Who was Keith Schellenberg
Keith Schellenberg was indeed a former owner of the Isle of Eigg. Born Clifford Keith Wain Schellenberg on March 13, 1929, he was a multifaceted individual—a British businessman, Winter Olympian, and at one point, a political candidate. Schellenberg was known not just for his diverse interests and achievements but also for the legal disputes that marked his ownership of Eigg [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Schellenberg).
He purchased Eigg in 1975, aiming to conserve both its natural environment and its human history. Schellenberg's tenure as the owner of Eigg was notable, lasting until 1995, when the island was sold. His ownership period was characterized by colorful and sometimes controversial stewardship [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Schellenberg).
The transition of ownership from Schellenberg ultimately led to a significant and historic event for Eigg and its community. In 1997, after a high-profile campaign, the residents of Eigg raised funds to purchase the island, marking the first time in Scottish history that an island was bought by its inhabitants [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world). This monumental achievement not only transferred the ownership directly to the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, representing the community, but also empowered the residents to dramatically improve their living conditions and manage the island's resources sustainably, most notably through the establishment of Eigg Electric, a pioneering renewable energy scheme [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world) [[❞]](https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/countries/united-kingdom-uk/eigg).
Schellenberg's life was rich and varied, touching on sports, politics, and environmental conservation, but his time as the owner of Eigg remains a particularly noteworthy chapter, especially in light of the island's subsequent transformation into a community-owned and sustainably managed haven [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Schellenberg).
No comments:
Post a Comment