We're gearing up for Scotland’s biggest ever community land festival!

We're gearing up to celebrate community ownership with a special walk in North Lewis, as the biggest ever Community Land Festival takes place across the country later this month. 

We're hosting a ‘Trail Taster’ walk, and lunch, from Port of Ness to Eoropie on Saturday 25^th October, and the event is among dozens of community-owned projects highlighting the aspirations and benefits of local empowerment as part of the 2025 Community Land Festival, which runs from 17^th October to 2^nd November.

This guided walk along the stunning coastal trail will also entertain walkers with tales of ancient clans and seafarer stories from Port of Ness to Eoropie, along with the opportunity to perhaps catch a glance of some sea life, including orca if they’re lucky! At the end of the 7km walk, participants are invited to Ness F.C. Social Club for a bowl of warming soup and a chance to hear more about the walk, which is part of the next stage of the Heritage Trail, which will be launched later this year.

Lindy Cameron-Saunders, Development Officer, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, commented: “We thought that the best way to celebrate Community Land Festival this year was to bring people together, locals and visitors alike, and give them the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the area whilst enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape. We launched the first stage of the Heritage Trail, Ness to Tolsta, in 2023 and this next stage, which will cover from Skigersta to Eoropie, will be officially launched later in the year and takes in so many important cultural and historical landmarks from lazy beds to Port of Ness harbour.”

The Community Land Festival is organised by Community Land Scotland and the Community Land Team. This record-breaking year sees more than 30 groups signed up to take part, from Shetland down to the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway, and over half are taking part for the very first time.

Community Land Scotland Assistant Development Manager and Festival Organiser, Meg Taintor, said: “Community Land Festival is all about people - the communities who make it happen, and the wider public who get to join in and experience what they’ve achieved.

“Now in its seventh year, this is the biggest yet. The Festival continues to feel fresh and exciting because each community brings its own creativity, energy, and ideas to the table. That sense of new energy and involvement is incredibly exciting and really shows how vibrant and growing the community land movement is across Scotland.” 

The 2025 festival sees a huge range of community activities, including workshops, play readings and Halloween dress-up parties. Some are using the Festival to celebrate with pumpkin trails, family days and woodland walks, while others are using it to spark conversations about future projects.

Meg Taintor added: “The Festival creates a sense of momentum and possibility that lasts far beyond a single festival event, and it’s incredible to witness communities connecting, and inspiring each other to take on new projects. It’s a chance to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and energy of communities across Scotland, and a reminder of the power of people working together to make their places stronger and better.” 

The morning walk from Port of Ness to Eoropie takes place on Saturday 25^th October and people are asked to meet at Ness F.C. Social Club at 9:30am where a minibus will take them to the start of the walk. To book a free place, which includes soup and refreshments at the end of the walk, please visit www.galsontrust.com/trailtaster.