Community acquires land for new affordable homes in Skye

Edinbane Community Company (ECC) is to help provide six much-needed affordable homes in the centre of Edinbane village with the purchase of three serviced sites at Coishletter with support from the Scottish Land Fund.The sites are to be purchased from Skye Luxury Lodges, whose adjoining private development is awaiting planning permission from the Highland Council.The Communities Housing Trust (CHT) has been supporting the community with the land acquisition, and will continue to help facilitate the development process.The community-led project was commended as exemplary by the Scottish Land Fund panel, as a partnership model with public and private stakeholders that could be replicated elsewhere on Skye.In Edinbane since 2015, the primary school roll had been declining faster than expected, with families leaving for towns like Portree and other centres, and the community recognised the need to sustain and grow the village.In the summer of 2020, Edinbane Community Company undertook a community survey which showed clear need and strong support for new homes for local residents. The next step will be to get more community feedback on the proposals later this year.ECC is committed to providing new opportunities for the area, including future plans to provide a new community hub and shop.