The proposed plan for the community-owned sites is to provide six much-needed affordable homes in the centre of Edinbane village. 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 committee, as a partnership model with public and private stakeholders that could be replicated elsewhere in Scotland.
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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 (ECC) 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.
ECC Chairman Alistair Danter said; "This is great news for the community who have been working for over three years to tackle the lack of affordable housing in Edinbane. We are immensely grateful to the Scottish Land Fund for its support of our community initiative, and we look forward to working with the private developer SLL to deliver six new affordable homes in 2023."
Ronnie MacRae, CEO of Communities Housing Trust, added: "There's a really strong sense of community in Edinbane and we are delighted to support the community in the land purchase, with a partnership model that works for everyone. We'd like to thank the Scottish Land Fund and congratulate the community on all the hard work that's been put in to get to this stage. Well done!"
