Move to alleviate teacher housing crisis on islands
Highland Council has moved to solve a housing crisis on Rum and Eigg which is affecting accommodation for the islands’ teachers, writes Mark Entwistle.
Last week’s online meeting of the full council discussed a report that flagged up the issue, stating that the existing teacher accommodation was ‘not fit for purpose’.
Councillors heard the situation had implications for future education services on the islands so it is intended that the local authority will build additional housing on Rum to accommodate education staff on the island and explore housing options on Eigg.
This is consistent with the requirements of the Islands (Scotland) Act and the National Islands Plan. There is a commitment in principle from the Scottish Government to provide grant funding of up to £100,000 per housing unit and £14,000 per unit from the council’s landbank fund, with the balance of funding through prudential borrowing which will resolve the situation on Rum.
Rent income from properties would be expected to cover additional borrowing costs meaning there would be no net impact on the council’s revenue budget from the project. A solution for Eigg is also being taken forward.
A firm costing and timetable for the projects are being developed as a priority and councillors agreed the projects in principle with the detail and progress to be taken through the Housing and Property Committee.
Caol and Mallaig ward councillor Denis Rixson, Lib Dem, gave his thanks to the council’s chief executive Donna Manson and officers for their recent visit to the Small Isles and Knoydart.
‘I am glad to see the proposals she has advanced. We have got a statutory obligation to make sure we discharge our education obligations in our most distant islands, expensive though that can be.
‘Recommendation Six accepts that and I welcome it. The children on Rum have had a very difficult year and we need housing for a teacher and a nursery teacher.’