Access to housing and digital connectivity were two major issues identified as key to a thriving rural economy yesterday.
Delegates at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands discussed a variety of topics, including Brexit and the integration of health and social care.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s Brexit Secretary Mike Russell, Transport and Islands Minister Humza Yousaf and Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell were among the attendees at the summit in Oban.
During the talks, Mr Ewing asked if there is an issue with availability of rural housing being a barrier to growth.
He said: “In the Strathspey area where I live, there is a shortage not just of affordable housing but of mid-market housing. I know Highland Council has taken up that case.”
Bill Lobban, convener of Highland Council, said: “A huge problem in the Highland area is lack of housing. It is not just about affordable, social housing, it is about mid market. We need extra housing, we need the process to make that happen.
“One of the biggest obstacles is the provision of land, site development at affordable prices. Also the infrastructure can become difficult. If developers are building houses in places the infrastructure isn’t there, some form of assistance would really be appreciated.”
Cecil Smith, leader of Shetland Islands Council, added: “The most important thing for us is transport, both from the mainland to Shetland and within Shetland.
“The other problem we have is the cost of building housing. The cost to the private sector on Shetland is at least 30% more than anywhere else.”
Amanda Bryan, chairwoman of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, said that providing more affordable housing on the island had been a major factor in helping to grow the population.
She said: “We celebrated 20 years community ownership recently. Twenty years ago you could have said it was a community in decline. I don’t think the same can be said today.
“We have moved from a population in the mid 60s to around 100.
“A real difference to turning that community around is about having affordable housing. Many people have moved back to the island because they have had access to affordable housing.
“Community broadband has enabled people to make their living off the island while living on the island.”
The next convention is due to take place on March 12 in North Ayrshire, possible on the isle of Millport.
