"THE most detailed study ever" into the housing crisis in a Highland community is set to get underway.
In an agreement between several organisations, housing in Skye and Lochalsh will become the subject of “extensive research”.
Run by SkyeConnect, the study is a collaboration with Lochalsh and Sky Housing Association and will commission specialist Edinburgh-based consultancy group 56 Degree Insight.
SkyeConnect, which aims to represent tourism firms in Skye, said the study will form the most detailed research undertaken on businesses in the region.
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The survey will be conducted in two parts, with the first looking at the impact on individual day-to-day business operations and business growth as a direct result of the lack of affordable housing - an issue creating employee recruitment and retention issues.
The second part involves a series of in-depth interviews with a range of public and private sector employers to explore the issue in more detail and look at potential solutions, including lobbying for changes in government policy and innovative funding solutions for a range of accommodation types.
SkyeConnect director and owner of Coruisk House, Clare Winskill, said housing policy should be seen as an economic development issue in rural areas like Skye.
She said: “For our area to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic and to enable businesses to survive, grow and be resilient, we must find a real solution to the lack of housing available to those looking for employment here and for those already working here who cannot find suitable accommodation.
“From the smallest businesses to the largest, and across every sector, our vital tourism sector, but also the public sector, our NHS, our Fire and Rescue Services for example, they all need their employees to have real accommodation available to them, not just short-term housing but homes that will encourage people to move to the area to work and contribute to the economy and every other aspect of the vibrant life here in Lochalsh and on Skye and Raasay.
Skye has suffered from a lack of affordable housing. An issue groups say is worse in rural communities
“Finding a housing solution for my own employees has revolutionised my business. I want to see that replicated across every business in the area where the housing deficit threatens survival and halts growth.”
Chief executive of Skye Housing Association Neil Clapperton said: “For remote and island communities like Skye and Lochalsh to thrive they need a strong economy and dependable services, jobs and opportunity.
“In particular, commerce and enterprise needs affordable housing and we don’t have nearly enough. It’s basic infrastructure for every business with ambition and any community with a vision for the future, as critical as roads or broadband.
“This survey will give Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association vital data to make the case to the Scottish Government for more investment.”
Clapperton added that every part of the housing market faces unique levels of housing pressure, for rent and for sale - but it is worse for rural communities.
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He continued: “The problem is several times greater than urban and central communities in Scotland, and it hits most households, from the poorest to those on good professional salaries.
“Tiny amounts of new affordable housing can transform a community or a business, so a solution is achievable. But the business community, the public and third sectors all need to assert themselves and make the call.”
The research in Skye and Lochalsh by 56 Degree Insight follows similar surveys in the Cairngorms and Lochaber.
The survey is now live and can be accessed through the SkyeConnect website https://skyeandlochalsh.com
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