A COMMUNITY development company has announced the completion of six new houses on a Scottish island and is set to hand the homes over later this year.
The Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) has built a mixture of two- and three-bedroom affordable homes at Scalasaig, as well as two commercial business units.
The six new homes, which are a mixture of rentals and available to buy at a discounted rate, are on the east of the island near the ferry terminal and the local village.
The charity is aiming to improve the island's sustainability by providing affordable housing and business opportunities to residents while encouraging people to move back to Colonsay.
CCDC said there is an insufficient amount of affordable housing on the island to sustain the current population and by building six new homes they hope to ease some of the growing demand.
Families with children will be given priority for the homes with those who wish to move back to the island where they have an established connection to Colonsay are also highly considered.
The project received funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund, Scottish Land Fund and Argyll and Bute Council.
Ronnie MacRae, CEO of Communities Housing Trust, said the completion of the project will be a huge boost to the local community.
He said: “We’d like to congratulate CCDC on the completion of these houses and business units which are a great example of partners working across all agencies.
“This will be a fantastic boost to both locals in housing need and the many who want an opportunity to relocate to rural communities like Colonsay which has so many business, employment and social possibilities in an idyllic setting.
“The wide range of housing tenures and opportunities on offer mean like phase one, phase two will be in much demand.”
CCDC have partnered with The Communities Housing Trust which is acting as a development agent and are providing letting agency services too.
The handover of the homes is expected to happen around early Autumn.
A CCDC board member added: “This project was first conceived over 20 years ago, when CCDC was formed.
“At times it’s seemed little more than a distant aspiration, always out of reach but thanks to the tenacity and determination of all involved – past and present, locally and further afield - and the steadfast support of CHT, our funders, industry partner MOWI and main contractor TSL all working together we have finally achieved what many once thought was impossible.
“The project has had its fair share of ups and downs, but we’re delighted – at last - to be able to deliver these six new affordable homes and three plots - the first in a generation – and are looking forward to welcoming our buyers and tenants once the houses are complete.
“We couldn’t be happier, and nor could they.
“But it’s not just a benefit for Colonsay. We know our project has helped other small communities in rural Scotland have the confidence to ‘think big’ like we did, and plan their own developments drawing on our example and success, just as we were inspired by others.
“It’s a win for everyone.”
