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Staffin is a small crofting community on the Trotternish Peninsula, on the Isle of Skye. A large proportion of residents are Gaelic speakers, and it remains a working community with many tourists passing through.
However, a lack of permanent all-year round employment and affordable housing, an ageing and falling population and the migration of young people in search of work elsewhere - 40 residents left in just four years - are just some of the major challenges.
In partnership with the Staffin Community Trust/Urras an Taobh Sear, the Communities Housing Trust project-managed a mixed development of six affordable homes, two commercial units for rent including workshop space, and a new health centre for NHS Highland, to replace the existing building which is unfit for purpose. The community-owned health centre will be leased to the NHS, returning income to the community.
The build began in August 2020, and the homes are a mix of social rent through Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association, community rent through Staffin Community Trust, and discounted sale through the Communities Housing Trust.
Residents - around 12 adults and eight children - moved into their new homes in February 2022.
The development has received several awards:
However, a lack of permanent all-year round employment and affordable housing, an ageing and falling population and the migration of young people in search of work elsewhere - 40 residents left in just four years - are just some of the major challenges.
In partnership with the Staffin Community Trust/Urras an Taobh Sear, the Communities Housing Trust project-managed a mixed development of six affordable homes, two commercial units for rent including workshop space, and a new health centre for NHS Highland, to replace the existing building which is unfit for purpose. The community-owned health centre will be leased to the NHS, returning income to the community.
The build began in August 2020, and the homes are a mix of social rent through Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association, community rent through Staffin Community Trust, and discounted sale through the Communities Housing Trust.
Residents - around 12 adults and eight children - moved into their new homes in February 2022.
The development has received several awards:
- the Housing & Regeneration award at the SURF - Scotland's Regeneration Forum Awards 2022
- the Community Contribution award at the Scottish Home Awards 2022, for its significant contribution to the local community
- the Excellence in Regeneration & Sustainability award at the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland's Housing Awards 2022, and also features in the CIH Good Practice Compendium 2022 (p 56-57)
- the Best Project Overall at the Highlands & Islands Architectural Association Awards 2022
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Below is a short video made by Staffin Community Trust as part of their Crowdfunding campaign, which shows the need for the project.
For further details, download the Case Study factsheet:
