Skye MSP supports bid for Staffin homes
SKYE MSP Kate Forbes has welcomed a bid to build six new homes in Staffin by the area’s community trust.
Ms Forbes tabled a parliamentary motion, and sent a letter to Highland Council, in support of the plans, emphasising the development of new homes as ‘critical for the future’.
If granted, it will be the first development of its kind in the north of the Isle of Skye since the late 1990s.
Ms Forbes said: ‘ The context to this application is that a study suggested that depopulation could lead to the village’s primary school having no pupils within a decade.
‘Against this backdrop, building new homes to encourage families to stay, and new ones to settle is vital.
‘ There are six houses being built, with ownership being divided between the Staffin Community Trust, HHT ( Highland Homes Trust) and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association.’
She added: ‘ The houses are designed for new families moving into the area, or to ensure those with existing ties are able to remain.
‘ The community council is in support of the project, interest has been shown in the houses and money has been awarded to the project by the Scottish Land Fund.
‘I am of the belief that, in order for the Highlands to flourish, we need to encourage people into the area and for that to take place, we need affordable and sustainable housing.’