Work has started this week on Skye’s first new village in over 100 years.
The project is being delivered by Communities Housing Trust alongside Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – The National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture – and The Highland Council.
The community-led project will see 17 new affordable homes built as part of the wider Kilbeg Village development in Slea.
Six homes will be for social rent with The Highland Council, while eight will be affordable and three discounted self-build plots with Communities Housing Trust.
The Skye development will be a mix of discounted rent and sale, and will include family, level-access, and wheelchair-accessible homes.
An adjacent private development by James MacQueen’s Ltd is due to follow shortly after, providing a further 14 flats.
Around 100 homes in total are expected to be built.
The partners hope the development will help to tackle housing needs for all age groups in the community, as well as support intergenerational living, a cultural community spirit, and a reduction in social isolation.
Given its proximity to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, it is expected that the development will attract Gaelic speakers or learners of all ages.
However, the homes will be open to all with a need to live or work in the area.
‘Ensure long-term future sustainability’
Ronnie MacRae, CEO of Communities Housing Trust, said: “We are extremely excited to be part of this ground-breaking community-led project, which will also provide bespoke affordable housing for the elderly and promote intergenerational living.
“The planned development in Kilbeg is unique in Scotland, in that it will provide a model for a mix of ages and tenures, providing opportunities for older people and younger families to support each other, which also takes into account the importance of culture and heritage.
“Repopulating and regenerating the area in this way makes sense, and helps to ensure long-term future sustainability of the community.”
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig chair Angus Macleod said: “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is proud to be spearheading the ambitious Kilbeg project that helps address the chronic need for housing, and aligns with our core aims to support the Gaelic language, culture, and local economy.
“This is a great opportunity for those with an affinity to the language and culture to apply to live in accessible, affordable housing in the new Kilbeg community next to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s vibrant campus, where language and culture is shared across generations.”
This next phase follows the Communities Housing Trust’s previous provision of two affordable Rent to Buy homes on the Kilbeg site, now home to two young families.
The development has received funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural & Islands Housing Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Partnership Programme, The Highland Council, Scottish Funding Council, and the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Development Trust.
Cabinet secretary for Education and Skills Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP said on a visit to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig: “It’s been great to see the hard work that has been going into this development, which will help ensure that Gaelic continues to thrive in this community.
“The Scottish government recognises the important role that Gaelic has in Scotland’s culture and economy.
“I look forward to seeing this development grow and the positive impact it will have on local communities in Skye.”
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “It is fantastic to see work start on this project in Kilbeg.
“Working with the Communities Housing Trust and The Highland Council, and supported by over £1.2m from Scottish government, this project will deliver high quality, affordable homes, that will meet people’s needs and allow them to live independently, whilst remaining in their community.
“These homes will support our commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent and 10% in remote, rural and island communities.”
Image: View from the site in Kilbeg, Skye. Credit: Communities Housing Trust
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