The Western Isles has been allocated up to £43 million to provide affordable homes over the next five years.
The sum is included in the Scottish Government’s proposed investment plans.
The previous allocation of £25 million over the past three years saw over 120 new homes being completed and over 150 currently in development.
But the majority of these new homes are in the Stornoway area with growing concern that other island communities, particularly Uist, Barra and Harris are being ignored.
Depopulation and decline of many rural villages is being driven by the present social house building programme in Stornoway with young people and families, unable to secure housing in their home district, moving elsewhere.
The comhairle and Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) are under pressure to switch tack and provide rural housing.
The comhairle said it met with HHP and building contractors to discuss ways of delivering the £43 million programme.
Comhairle leader, Roddie MacKay pledged to “work to maximise the potential” of announcement.
However, “innovation and flexibility” will be required to address the very specific housing needs in the Outer Hebrides, he stressed.
“In particular I am keen that we invest in housing that will offer young families a route onto the housing ladder, that will bring empty and under-
“I am keen that we find a way to invest in some of our more peripheral communities where demand may not be apparent through the traditional mechanisms of assessing demand.
“I am hopeful that the Scottish Government will allow us this flexibility and we will be developing some new approaches and pilots to present to the (housing) minister over the next weeks.”
Kenny John Macleod, chairman of communities and housing committee, said the meeting was “positive” about the investment opportunities ahead and there is good commitment to deliver on the opportunity.
He said a “more flexible approach” will be essential to ensure the full million allocation is utilised.
“A range of ideas were discussed at the meetings and we will be collating and further developing these to discuss with the Scottish Government.”
£43 million earmarked for new homes in Western Isles
30 July 2021
