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Eigg

Until 1997, the island of Eigg was like any of the other estates that spread across Scotland like a rash in the 19th Century: wholly owned by an individual.
But since the 12th of June, 1997, Eigg鈥檚 inhabitants have been in control of their own destiny. Thanks largely to a donor who remains anonymous, they successfully completed a community land acquisition. The island in its entirety become the property of a Trust, of which every single one of its 67 inhabitants was a member. Every year, they celebrate Independence Day; and this year there were over 90 citizens present at the party.
In the years since the buyout, the people of Eigg have successfully constructed a power grid which employs renewable sources of energy. A mixture of wind turbines, hydro power and solar cells supplies all of their energy needs. The Trust intends to keep the population of Eigg capped at around 120.

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2 minutes

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