Ambitious plans to develop a Skye harbour could bring more than 40 new jobs, but would exacerbate the housing shortage in the area.
Staffin Community Trust is working in partnership with the Skye Sea Harvest company to develop Staffin Slipway with a seafood processing facility, which would provide much-needed local jobs.
However, a report commissioned by the trust has highlighted the need for more affordable housing in the north Skye community.
The report, published by the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust, reveals that the area is now “dominated” by older households with 18% of properties now holiday homes, compared to the Highland average of 5.7%.
The last affordable homes were built in Staffin 15 years ago and moves to secure additional housing in the area are now being backed by north politicians.
There is concern locally that major housing developments have since been concentrated in larger settlements, such as Portree and Broadford, while the primary school roll has halved in recent years.
According to the report, building more affordable properties could have a positive impact on the school and local businesses and sustain a vibrant community.
Staffin Trust chairman Donald MacDonald said the trust was focussing its attention on housing, reversing the decline in school roll and planning for the proposed developments at Staffin Slipway, which could create increased demand for affordable homes.
He said: “It is essential that people continue to register Staffin as their first choice for homes and not to give in to pressure to move to Portree or elsewhere.”
The trust, which will be will be meeting next week to discuss the report, wants to see at least 10 new affordable homes built in Staffin by 2020. It hopes this could help increase the school roll by 10 pupils.
Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson said: “It is pleasing that the proposed seafood processing facility has the potential to create upwards of 40 jobs, but I also acknowledge that this will exert pressure on existing housing stock. Any proposals to alleviate that stress should be given attention.”
And Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Charles Kennedy said: “To maximise the potential of new jobs and maintain the spirit of the local community, we must ensure the potential workforce is not restricted due to a housing shortage.”