New housing projects will help sustain populations in two remote island communities.
Islanders on Rum are hoping four new homes for rent will help attract new families and boost numbers in the nursery and primary school.
The energy-efficient properties are expected to be completed in September for new residents to join the 32-strong population.
The two-bedroom houses are on the edge of Kinloch, the island’s only village. The Isle of Rum Community Trust (IRCT) which owns much of Kinloch, is re-opening the allocation process for people interested in moving to the island.
Local resident, Lesley Watt said: “We have a population of around 32 people, including six children. With only one child in nursery and two in our primary school we need more families to fill our school as well as to be the next generation of islanders.”
The new homes have largely been funded by the Scottish Government, with further support from fish farm company Mowi and hotel group, the Crerar Trust.
Meanwhile, four affordable houses are being built at Ulva Ferry on Mull after three years of work by the Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) and Ulva School Community Association (USCA) to secure land and funding.
A local allocation policy will help prioritise applications and the homes will be offered to those in housing need.
Local people say long-term rental homes will help increase the primary school roll and the number of working age adults to help the economy.
MICT convenor, Sandy Brunton said: “Affordable housing is consistently a priority issue across Mull and Iona and this project is a really good example of community powered regeneration.”
The project has received a grant from the Scottish Government’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund, as well as support from Argyll & Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund, a building society and individuals.
