A co-operative self-build project is building momentum in the Cairngorms

The “Sawmill Co-operative” as they are known, will shortly purchase four of the six plots at a discounted price from the Rothiemurchus Estate, enabling the remaining two to be sold privately by the Estate. Thanks to the Estate for embracing the initial proposal from the self-build group, four local families will soon begin building their own homes on a brownfield site in the Cairngorms with no public subsidy.

​The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT) facilitated the negotiations with the Estate and has acted as a vehicle to secure affordable housing by providing discounted plots protected with a Rural Housing Burden.  Thanks to the new fund, the Dr & Mrs Steven Faulds Memorial Fund, HSCHT purchased the land and arranged for the servicing of the plots prior to the onward sales to the families.
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Although this project has not been without its difficulties and it has taken time to get to where it is now, the determination and motivation of the co-operative must be commended. The eager and ambitious group have set an example that will hopefully inspire people and future projects for years to come.
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With planning consent now granted, the Sawmill Co-operative are in the process of securing their self-build mortgages and will be building their new homes shortly. We expect that other projects could benefit from this collaborative approach and are grateful to the Rothiemurchus Estate for leading the way. 

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