A change of leadership and a call for community engagement in new visioning plan at SnBM AGM

Members of Sealladh na Beinne Moire (SnBM) look forward to a change in leadership, increased communication and improvement in forward planning after the AGM in Stoneybridge Hall on 19 September.

The meeting began with a summary of SnBM and its subsidiaries’ activities in the previous year which showed a trend of losses or very minimal profits. 

Complaints of confusion surrounding the pre-meeting presentation of accounts to members littered the evening, and a heated debate between a member and then SnBM Chair, Mary Schmoller, regarding the poor financial performance of many of the estate’s companies drew voices of support and sighs of frustration in almost equal measure.

The bulk of the argument surrounded the purpose of the various companies and called into question the use of South Uist Renewable Energy (SURE) funds to prop up losses elsewhere.

SURE showed the best performance for the 2023 year with a profit of £792,320, but this was a poor performance when compared to the £1,841,263 shown for 2022.

Grid shutdowns and lower wind speeds were blamed for the decrease in performance with 50 days of grid shutdown in 2023, compared to five days in 2022, and a lower average wind speed of 7.5mps in ’23, compared to 9.0mps in ’22.

However, according to SnBM, 2024 is forecast to be better for SURE with profits expected to be increasing to £1.2million.

Father Michael, a member of the Board in 2008, said that SURE was initially set up to provide capital for local infrastructure projects but that this was not currently happening.

The annual fee to Enercon for maintenance of the turbines is due to increase by around £100,000 in 2025 and a portion of this increase is due to go towards two dedicated staff members who will ensure that any repairs needed will be attended to within 24 hours.

Stòras CEO, Darren Taylor, assured members that the turbines had another 15 years left in them and that there were discussions of hiring a wind farm manager.

A move away from focusing on sporting and a move towards attracting a variety of visitors to the estate was welcomed, especially given the investment into Grogarry Lodge in recent years and the members desire to see the funds recuperated.

Mr Taylor also reported that cull numbers were above target and announced that funding had been secured for a PhD student to study ticks on the estate.

Stòras are also working to improve their sustainability by conducting a carbon audit, reviewing the energy efficiency of their offices and Grogarry Lodge and taking part in peatland restoration work with NatureScot.

Before opening for questions from the floor, Mr Taylor announced a collaboration with community development consultant group, Glic, to develop a plan for the future of the estate.

Vision 2030 aims to gather thoughts on what the community would like the estate to look like in 2030 and will have a focus on “community led decision making” and “practical and actionable” plans.

The initial information collecting exercise is focused on the question “What are your top priorities for Vision 2030?” and asks respondents to list three key areas they would like the vision strategy to address.

The survey can be accessed by using the QR code opposite, by going to the web address listed or by returning a physical form to the Stòras offices.

One member of the public encouraged those present to take part saying:

“There are lots of complaints about the lack of communication so take the opportunity to provide feedback.”

After a question from a member, Ms Schmoller revealed that the board did not respond to the crofting bill on behalf of the estate, leaving many present unsatisfied and leading to confusing discussions surrounding the funding available to crofters the rights they have when it comes to succession and ownership.

After the meeting, many members expressed frustration with the lack of communication between Stòras and the community but were looking forward to renewed hope of improvement in the changing of leadership and the direct consultation with the public that Vision 2030 looks set to encourage.

New member and new leadership for SnBM Board

The SnBM Board of Directors welcomed a new member at their AGM.

John Daniel Peteranna was voted in by the members with 309 votes, more than the other four candidates combined.

Dave Adey received 25 votes, Norman MacAskill had 91, Alistair Nobles had 52 and former director Calum MacMillan received 33.

Member turnout was 60.82%

Mr Peteranna has been active in engaging with SnBM, the public and Government officials through the South Uist Business Impact Group.

SUBIG have worked to bring attention to the ferry situation in South Uist and how the disruption has been detrimental for local businesses.

Stòras Uibhist has stressed that they are not able to affect any direct change to ferry services but are able to influence transport decisions due to their ownership of the harbour and the land on which the new pier is proposed to be built.

Mr Peteranna said in his nomination statement:

“Everyone knows that reliable transport links are essential for our economy and that the disruption to our ferry service in recent years is unacceptable. 

I have been involved with the South Uist Business Impact Group since its inception and have met with ministers and civil servants to make the case for the Lochboisdale-Mallaig service. 

It is essential we continue this campaign for our collective good.”

“We are all proud of our islands, but we must work together to create a sustainable future. Stòras Uibhist is uniquely positioned to control the path we take to secure a prosperous future for us all. 

The whole ethos of Stòras Uibhist should be to benefit the community living on the estate equally.”

At the Board meeting following the AGM, Iain Stephen Morrison replaced Mary Schmoller as Chair and Ronnie MacKenzie became Vice-Chair.

Both joined the board after a period of election last year and are looking forward to leading SnBM into the future.

“I am humbled to assume the chairmanship of the largest community landowner in Scotland and promise to lead this organisation with integrity,” said Mr Morrison

“It is imperative we work to make our company sustainable, while at the same time improving the economy and environment of our estate, furthering the interests of the community.

“I am fixed in my view that, in order to realise real benefits for the people of these islands, significant reform is required at Stòras Uibhist.

“The work of change begins today.”

“We must now get on with the work of making Stòras Uibhist deliver for the people who live on the estate,” added Mr MacKenzie.

“Listening and working with the community is essential if we are to work together towards shared aims that will make our islands more prosperous.”

The Board consists of seven members: Iain Stephen Morrison, Ronnie MacKenzie, Catriona Walker, DJ Cameron, John Daniel Peteranna, Donnie Steele and Mary Schmoller.

Members of the Board also sit on subsidiary Boards for South Uist Renewable Energy and Lochboisdale Development Limited.