Business billionaire Ivan Wes undertook a large-scale initiative to revitalize the abandoned island of Tanera Mor in Scotland. He initially acquired the island in 2017 for approximately 180 million rupees (1.7 million pounds sterling). Instead of turning it into an elite private resort, Wes decided to restore the island as a vibrant village, which has currently cost around 100 billion rupees.
Tanera Mor is the largest island in the Summer Isles group in Scotland. In 2020, the island was transferred to a charitable trust. What started as the purchase of a small island has evolved into an extensive campaign for the preservation of nature, culture, and the local community.
When Wes returned to Tanera, he saw that the island was 'dying.' Rather than developing it into a private luxury resort, he decided to improve historical buildings and the landscape, as well as revive life in the community. Since then, this project has transformed into a large-scale restoration program worth about 100 million pounds sterling (approximately $135 million), covering infrastructure, ecological restoration, job creation, and community initiatives.
As part of the project, over 50 structures have been restored, including old cottages and other dilapidated buildings. New pedestrian paths and roads stretching about 4.5 miles have also been laid out to connect different parts of the island.
The natural landscape of Tanera has undergone significant changes. More than 100,000 trees have been planted, and eight ponds have been restored using local aquatic plants to create a habitat for approximately 1.5 million liters of fresh water. Additionally, about 28 acres of historic agricultural land have been brought back into cultivation, while fruit orchards and pastures have been preserved.
The project is also reviving traditional crafts associated with the region's history. Two historic fishing boats—the 'Clan Gordon' and the 'St Vincent'—have been repaired, with local shipbuilding workshops contributing about 16,000 hours of skilled labor. An old loom is used to produce 'Tanera Tweed,' and workshops teach subjects such as sailmaking, bread baking, art, writing, floristry, and land management.
Community and public amenities have been developed on Tanera, including a pub, a place of worship, an art studio, a cinema, a gym, a sauna, and a communal kitchen. The old mine has been converted into an operational center with offices, residential units, and workshops.
According to island administration, over 1,300 public service employees, such as those from the National Health Service (NHS), police, and armed forces, have participated in restorative stays here. This project is also creating employment opportunities in the wider Highlands region. Tanera reports that over 60% of permanent staff come from the Scottish Highlands, and around 150 people can work and live on the island at any given time.
This project extends beyond Tanera Mor island. In 2024, about 8,000 acres of mainland land were transferred to the company 'Coigach Community Development Company.' Furthermore, restoration work continues at 'Achnahard Farm,' and the historic 'Summer Isles Hotel' is undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen in 2027.
