THE DEADLINE for submitting applications for the new Staffin Community Trust (SCT) affordable homes is looming this week.
SCT has worked in partnership with the Communities Housing Trust (CHT) and the Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association since 2014 to progress the Taighean a’ Chaiseil development in Stenscholl, near Bun Sgoil Stafainn.
The two three-bedroom houses, designed by architects Rural Design, are currently under construction by James MacQueen Builders, and will be completed this autumn.
Anybody interested in lodging an application to rent the houses has until Sunday, September 12 to do so. This is a copy of the brochure: Final Staffin RENTAL brochure
The CHT is managing the applications process for SCT by using an Allocations Policy designed to support its aims of delivering quality housing locally.
CHT is a vastly experienced housing enabler having worked with rural communities across the Highlands and Islands for three decades.
Anybody interested in applying must do so through the Communities Housing Trust website: www.chtrust.co.uk/current-opportunities or by contacting staff for a hardcopy on 01463 233 548.
SCT’s project funders include LEADER, the Scottish Government’s Rural Housing Fund and Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the SSE Sustainable Development Fund, the Quaker Housing Trust, a crowdfunding campaign, including a substantial donation from the acclaimed singer Alasdair Gilles; and the Ecology Building Society. The Highland Council also supported the project to start on site with a significant guarantor loan.
Meanwhile, SCT is inviting interest in its two new business premises based within the mixed-use development.
Two larch-clad units, with slate roofs are under construction. The first unit is 50m2 and shares the same building as the new health centre, its planning uses are designated as an office or retail space.
The second stand alone business premises is 60m2 and its planning use is a storage unit.
SCT would expect prospective tenants to pay for the cost of the internal kit out and layout for each unit, which will be offered as bare shells.
Expressions of interest should be submitted to SCT via e-mail to staffin.ldo@gmail.com and should include 1. the intended business use; 2. how many jobs could be created; 3. how much rent you are willing to pay per p/a.
The deadline is also Friday, September 10.