A KEY social enterprise that has spent nearly three decades building affordable homes across the Highlands and Islands has announced it will wind down operations due to severe funding pressures and inflation.
An email to members states that the Board has "reluctantly made the decision to gradually wind down services" due to "stark financial realities" and wider sector challenges.
Communities Housing Trust (CHT) – formerly known as The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust – confirmed the decision in a statement issued to partners and stakeholders ahead of its annual general meeting on Friday.
Since 1998, the Trust has worked on more than 120 community projects, often in remote, rural areas, to provide more than 1000 affordable homes.
"For 28 years, the organisation has worked alongside local people, landowners, community organisations, local authorities and partners to create homes that enable individuals and families to remain in the places they call home, sustaining communities, supporting local economies and helping reverse rural depopulation," chair of the Board Blair Allan wrote in the letter to members sent on September 15.
"Therefore, it is incredibly difficult to let you know that the Communities Housing Trust is facing stark financial realities against an increasingly challenging funding landscape, and wider inflationary issues affecting the sector are impacting on project delivery.
"After a comprehensive strategic review and the exploration of constitutional partnerships, the Board has reluctantly made the decision to gradually wind down services.
"We appreciate that this may be surprising or disappointing news, and we would like to offer you the opportunity to have an online call with colleagues to discuss what this means for your project or community."
Community Highland Trust have been contacted for comment.
