New homes built to help stop depopulation in island village

New homes have been built for the first time in 23 years in a Highland village in a bid to stop depopulation.

Six new homes have been built as part of a housing development in Staffin, a village on the Isle of Skye, following a £1.6m community project.

The Scottish government helped fund the housebuilding plan, which was led by community trusts.

The Staffin Community Trust began work on the project in 2014, after the village’s population declined from 610 to 568 people over a four-year period.

Director, Donald MacDonald, said a ‘lack of affordable housing’ was one of the reasons behind the declining population.

He said: “It is great to see this project moving towards completion after many years of hard work by the trust.

“Unfortunately, this project does not address the underlying issues, faced by many young people and families, in relation to spiralling property costs, lack of affordable housing and general investment in rural communities.”

Six families, consisting of 12 adults and eight children, moved into the Taighean a’ Chaiseil development in February.

New resident Paul Young said: “We’re happy that the children are in safe walking distance to school.

“It’s nice that these houses have been built together in Staffin, it’s in the perfect location for families, giving the children more independence with being able to walk to school and play with their friends.

“The houses are very cosy and enjoy an amazing view. We are looking forward to making our house our home.”