Substantial financial aid granted for boosting affordable housing options in Scotland
In a move to encourage a balanced rural economy, the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) has awarded over £2,700,000 for eight community-led housing projects across Scotland. The SLF, funded by the Scottish government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, is helping rural communities take control of their assets.
One such project is the Corstorphine Community Centre (CCC) in Edinburgh, which received £960,000 to purchase Westfield House. With the funding, CCC will be able to own Westfield House, allowing for internal improvements and continued provision of services and space for hire.
Elsewhere, the Bute Community Land Company plans to install a carpark on the Isle of Bute to improve accessibility. The Papay Development Trust will acquire two houses on the island of Papa Westry for affordable rent, while the Eday Partnership will use funding to provide affordable housing on the island of Eday.
The Great Bernera Community Development Trust plans to convert a vacant industrial building into a social enterprise hub, and the Kingsbarns Community Development Trust plans to establish a community hub with rooms to let, a pub, cafe, and community shop.
The Evanton Community Trust is set to purchase land adjacent to the community-owned Victoria Diamond Jubilee Hall. The Tayvallich Initiative received £565,608 to buy land in Argyll & Bute, where they will build housing for affordable rent and implement environmental initiatives. Martin Mellor, Chair of the Tayvallich Initiative, stated that the award will help them move forward with plans to create affordable housing and promote the use of Rural Housing Burdens.
Both the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have over a decade of experience helping communities to acquire and develop their assets. The SLF reopened to applications in April 2016, and these projects are just a few examples of the positive impact it can have on rural communities.
The goal of these community-led housing projects is to encourage a balance between tourism/holidays and an established year-round rural community. By providing affordable housing and community spaces, these projects aim to create vibrant, sustainable communities that can thrive all year round.
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