I was deeply concerned to hear the news last month that Rural Housing Scotland was to close.

I wrote to the Housing Minister to seek clarification on how the Scottish Government could fill the gap and continue to ensure the delivery of much-needed homes in my region – here is the reply.

Letter text:

29 October 2024

Dear Emma Roddick MSP,

Thank you for your correspondence of 16 October in relation to the cessation of operations of Rural Housing Scotland.

The Scottish Government was not made aware of any plans by Rural Housing Scotland to cease operations prior to its announcement.

The Scottish Government recognises that good quality, affordable housing is essential to help attract and retain people in Scotland’s rural communities. We remain committed to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with 70% of these for social rent and at least 10% in rural or island communities.

In addition to our mainstream investment through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, demand led funds, such as the £30 million Rural and Islands Housing Fund and the £25 million Rural Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund are key elements in addressing specific rural housing issues where they arise.

The Scottish Government’s Rural and Island Housing Action Plan recognises the important role that community led housing has in our broad approach to the delivery of more affordable homes in our rural and island communities. There are a number of third sector community and housing organisations who can provide support to rural and island communities in terms of advice and facilitation skills. For example in Orkney, I am aware that Shapinsay Development Trust play an important role in supporting this function locally as do others in different areas such as Tighean Innse Gall in the Western Isles. In addition, Communities Housing Trust and South of Scotland Community Housing provide support across Scotland and provide direct support and advice to communities and other organisations seeking to take forward housing projects, including access to Scottish Land Fund and Rural and Islands Housing Fund.

In 2023, the Scottish Government agreed a joint funding package, with Nationwide Foundation, of almost £1 million over a three-year period to Communities Housing Trust and South of Scotland Community Housing to enable them to continue to support rural and island communities and the delivery of the projects they already have identified within their pipeline of development.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Paul McLennan