|
|
|
|
Colonsay is one of the more remote Scottish islands, with a small, ageing population of 130 people and a worrying lack of young people. This is due in part to a lack of affordable housing and over 40% of the island's houses being used as holiday or second homes. On the rare occasions homes are offered for sale they are often priced above the means of the local people.
CHT supported the community, via the Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC), to purchase two pieces of land and project-managed the development on their behalf.
One site is designed to expand the affordable housing provision on the island, it has 4 homes for affordable rent, 2 low cost home ownership houses, 3 houses for local workers, 3 discounted serviced plots for self-build options and scope for a further 12 houses in the future. The houses are suitable for a diverse range of people and will help reduce social isolation and fuel poverty.
The other site has 2 business units, providing studio and work space, which will help to grow and sustain the island's population and economy, retaining or attracting economically active people in a live/work situation.
The development is an excellent example of community-led housing turning around a fragile situation and addressing depopulation. The development brought together support from public agencies, industry, the community and private finance to help bring social and economic benefits to the island and wider area.
In July 2021, the new Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Islands, Mairi Gougeon, visited the development and broke the turf.
Watch CCDC's Crowdfunding campaign video which shows the dire need for these homes
CHT supported the community, via the Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC), to purchase two pieces of land and project-managed the development on their behalf.
One site is designed to expand the affordable housing provision on the island, it has 4 homes for affordable rent, 2 low cost home ownership houses, 3 houses for local workers, 3 discounted serviced plots for self-build options and scope for a further 12 houses in the future. The houses are suitable for a diverse range of people and will help reduce social isolation and fuel poverty.
The other site has 2 business units, providing studio and work space, which will help to grow and sustain the island's population and economy, retaining or attracting economically active people in a live/work situation.
The development is an excellent example of community-led housing turning around a fragile situation and addressing depopulation. The development brought together support from public agencies, industry, the community and private finance to help bring social and economic benefits to the island and wider area.
In July 2021, the new Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Islands, Mairi Gougeon, visited the development and broke the turf.
Watch CCDC's Crowdfunding campaign video which shows the dire need for these homes
For further details, download the fact sheet:
