The Scottish Government has introduced the Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan to support its ambition of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. Out of these, 10% are set to be developed in rural and island regions.
The initiative aims to merge efforts from the public and private sectors while actively involving local communities. This collaboration ensures that the housing needs in these areas are met and contributes to sustainable economic growth.
The plan’s key commitments include supporting affordable and community-led housing delivery, repurposing vacant homes, providing housing for key workers, commissioning research on affordable homeownership in the targeted areas, and addressing challenges in the construction sector.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan spoke about the significance of this strategy. He said: “The Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan includes a range of commitments which will be taken forward with public and private sector partners to deliver the right homes in the right places, generate sustainable local economic growth and help rural and island communities to thrive.
“This plan supports Scotland’s long term housing strategy Housing to 2040 and will help bolster the commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes up to 2032, of which 70% will be for social rent and 10% in rural and island areas. It has been informed by extensive engagement with a wide range of organisations representing rural and island housing interests.”
Addressing the broader economic challenges, McLennan added: “Despite the challenges we face due to Brexit and high inflation, this plan demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting families, communities and businesses, and to unleashing the full economic potential of our rural and island areas.”
