The Comhairle’s development committee vice chairman has criticised plans to revamp the Scottish Government’s Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS) for “falling short” of expectations.
Donald Crichton said: “It is disappointing that the Government appear to be giving very little with one hand while taking away a lot with the other.
“They are proposing a minimal increase in the building grant and cutting the improvement grant substantially.”
The councillor said: “In my view the government fails to recognise the differential costs of building a house on the islands compared to the mainland.
“Missing that obvious point doesn't fill me with confidence that the minister and her civil servants grasp the real challenges faced in the islands where costs are significantly higher than on the mainland.”
The scheme provides financial assistance for the improvement and maintenance of crofter housing with the aim of attracting and retaining people in remote areas of the Highlands and Islands.
The Scottish Government is minded to increase the grant levels but first needs to formally seek views through a consultation.
Councillor slams croft house scheme proposals
10 January 2015