Highland housing shortage discussed at Holyrood
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A Highland MSP says rural communities in the region are facing an “acute housing shortage”.
Ariane Burgess convened a parliamentary evidence session at Holyrood last week that heard from representatives of Communities Housing Trust, Development Trusts Association Scotland, South of Scotland Community Housing, Community Land Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The issues discussed included land availability, community-led housing initiatives, attracting investment in affordable homes, and overcoming barriers to rural housing development.
Ms Burgess, the Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “Scotland's rural communities are facing an acute housing shortage, with a lack of affordable homes leading to depopulation and threatening the long-term viability of many communities. We need to explore every possible solution, which is why I convened this evidence session to hear directly from those working on the frontlines.
“It’s very clear that creating more homes stimulates the local economy and that we must prioritise unlocking more land and empowering community-led initiatives.
“I’m proud that the funds Greens secured for rural housing enablers and the new lotting proposals in the Land Reform Bill were highlighted as crucial to addressing these issues.
“This is about much more than just house building; it’s about supporting new uses for existing buildings and considering how our housing stock can be utilised more effectively to create warm, affordable year-round homes. The Scottish Greens are determined to make housing a human right for everyone, no matter where they live.”
