|
|
|
|
Colonsay is one of the more remote Scottish islands, with a small, aging 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 now project-manage the development on their behalf.
One site will provide up to 24 affordable homes of mixed tenures (Low Cost Home Ownership and affordable rent), expanding the island's housing stock. The houses are particularly suitable for elderly people and will reduce social isolation and fuel poverty.
The other site will provide 2 business units, providing studio and work space, which will help to grow and sustain the island's population and economy, retaining or attracting younger people in a live/work situation.
The development is an excellent example of community-led housing turning around a fragile situation and addressing depopulation, working with a public indusrty and private funding model 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 now project-manage the development on their behalf.
One site will provide up to 24 affordable homes of mixed tenures (Low Cost Home Ownership and affordable rent), expanding the island's housing stock. The houses are particularly suitable for elderly people and will reduce social isolation and fuel poverty.
The other site will provide 2 business units, providing studio and work space, which will help to grow and sustain the island's population and economy, retaining or attracting younger people in a live/work situation.
The development is an excellent example of community-led housing turning around a fragile situation and addressing depopulation, working with a public indusrty and private funding model 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:
