New homes for young and old planned for Gigha

Helping people young and old stay on the island they love is at the heart of new plans for Gigha.

The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust has appointed Collective Architecture to work with the community on plans for a new housing and hub development.

The new homes will be specifically designed to help older residents stay on the island, rather than go to sheltered accommodation on the mainland, and younger people to be able to rent their first homes.

Services

The chosen site at Ardminish is close to all island services and by combining housing for young and old people around a central hub, this development aims to help foster the spirit of inter-generational living on the island.

Trust chairman Ian Wilson said: ‘This is a really exciting opportunity for Gigha. We have young people that are looking to stay on the island or return with job opportunities for them, but a lack of suitable, affordable housing is stopping them from doing this.

‘Including housing suitable for young people to rent, together with specially designed housing for older neighbours with different needs, will be a real step forward in meeting the needs for our community.

‘The plans also include a space for young people to come together to do sport and other activities, as well as a new area for older people to meet and chat and have services delivered.’

Chris Stewart from Collective Architecture said: ‘We are delighted to be working with the community on the Isle of Gigha on this important project.

‘Our experiences during the recent Scottish Government Housing 2040 travelling exhibition highlighted just how significant the role of housing, in particular affordable housing, plays in the economies of Scotland’s island communities.’

Chris added: ‘Collective Architecture enjoys long-standing working relationships with Argyll and the Isle of Bute, where we completed their award-winning recycling centre and re-purposed their B-listed council chambers.

‘We look forward to working with the community on the Isle of Gigha with whom we share a passion for collaboration and sustainability.’

Collective Architecture will also be looking at plans for the restoration of the renowned Achamore Gardens.

The first stage will look at improvements to car parking, access and garden structures.

Trust chairman Ian Wilson, right, with members of the Gigha community and directors and staff on a visit to an assisted living complex on the Isle of Jura. The trip was funded through the Community Learning Exchange programme by Scottish Community Alliance.