Homes are in short supply

Islanders on Colonsay are attempting to raise £25,000 in a bid to build much needed community-owned homes.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help Colonsay Community Development Company develop the home-building project

Residents hope the campaign will gather enough support and funds to help them build four new homes to rent out long-term and keep their fragile community alive.

The island has a population of just 130 but there has already been more than 20 expressions of interest in the houses. The overall cost of building each home will be £220,000.

The initial plans at Scalascaig also include two houses for low-cost home ownership and three discounted self-build plots to help invigorate the community.

More than 40% of homes on Colonsay are holiday homes or self-catering holiday accommodation.

Caitlin McNiell, who started the crowdfunder, said: “Homes regularly sell - often unadvertised - for well above the council or Scottish average meaning young people and families on average incomes are priced out of the local property market. There is no shortage of people who would like to live here but the harsh reality is that, for most of us, it is just not an option.”