In rural Scotland, where affordable housing is a critical issue, a community-led project on the island of Colonsay is making a significant impact. This past weekend, the first tenants received keys to four new affordable homes on the island, which is known to be one of the most remote communities in Britain.
The completion of this first phase of the community-led housing development is a milestone for Colonsay, with a population of 124 residents. In addition to the four affordable rental homes, two more houses are now available for low-cost home ownership.
The Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) spearheaded this project, which also involved the construction of three houses for the fish production company, MOWI, to accommodate their workers and contribute to the island’s economy.
Dannie Onn, Chair of CCDC, expressed the significance of these new homes in addressing the long-standing need for affordable housing on Colonsay. The effort put in by the community group and islanders has been commendable, and reaching this milestone demonstrates what a small community can achieve with the right support.
The allocation of these new homes is directly addressing issues such as homelessness and demographic imbalances on the island. By providing permanent residences, the hope is to reduce the number of second homes and holiday lets that have dominated the housing market in Colonsay.
Looking ahead, a second phase of development will see five family homes built by The West Highland Housing Association, further contributing to the availability of permanent housing on the island. This, combined with the efforts of CCDC, aims to shift the balance towards more permanent residences than second homes and short-term lets.
In addition to housing, CCDC has also established two new business units to promote year-round employment opportunities and support a sustainable resident community. The success of the housing project is expected to have a transformative impact on the community of Colonsay.
Community Land Scotland, the organization backing and promoting community landownership, has praised the work done by the Colonsay community in addressing the housing crisis on the island. Lindsay Chalmers, Development Manager, highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives in tackling the housing crisis in rural Scotland.
Overall, the efforts of the Colonsay community in developing affordable housing solutions are a testament to the power of local initiatives in addressing critical issues and fostering sustainable communities. By prioritizing permanent residences over second homes, the hope is to create a more balanced and thriving community on the island.