New empty homes officer in post at Highland Council

The Highland Council is working in partnership with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to proactively bring privately-owned empty homes across the Highlands back into use.With funding support from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, the council has been able to employ Jonathan Henderson as its new full-time empty homes officer for a two-year period.It is the responsibility of homeowners to maintain their property and to keep it in good order. However, there are many reasons why properties become empty long term and the council, with support from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, wants to help owners to bring these homes back into use.Jonathan Henderson will be providing advice and assistance to people who are stressed or struggling?to deal with an empty home. This will include engaging with owners to understand why a property is empty and offering practical solutions and advice to turn it into a home again.By having a dedicated person in post, the Highland Council and the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership recognise the importance and value of bringing empty properties back into use and the positive contribution made towards housing supply.