Funding secured for ‘much-needed’ affordable island homes on Colonsay

A community development company has completed the purchase of land to provide affordable homes on the island of Colonsay.Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC), which was formed in 2000 to oversee the continued development of the island, and had long planned to deliver homes in Scalasaig. Having already secured £375,000 in funding from the Scottish Land Fund, CCDC secured an additional £28,900 from Argyle and Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund following approval from the council’s business continuity committee.Assistance was also provided by Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Mowi.Having had positive discussions Colonsay Estate to purchase land to purchase the land, CCDC’s plan is for six affordable housing units in the first phase of its development – three for rent and three for low-cost home ownership. There will also be three affordable self-build plots.The low cost home ownership and the self-build plots will have a rural housing burden attached to ensure that the housing remains affordable when sold.This development will complement the West Highland Housing Association plan to build five affordable houses at Lower Kilchatten.Following a detailed tendering exercise, TSL has been selected as the preferred design & build contractor.