Ariane Burgess MSP has welcomed a major boost to affordable housing funding but says rural communities must not be left behind.
The Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands was responding to the UK Labour Government’s announcement of a £39 billion investment in affordable housing over the next decade.
Ms Burgess described the commitment as a much-needed response to the housing crisis, but urged that Scotland’s share of the funding, delivered through Barnett consequentials, must be fully used by the Scottish Government to strengthen its own affordable housing plans.
She praised the appointment of Mairi McAllan as the new Cabinet Secretary for Housing and said she was looking forward to working closely with her to ensure rural areas get the attention they deserve.
Ms Burgess stressed the unique challenges faced by rural communities in the Highlands and Islands and called for targeted support to make sure these areas are not left at a disadvantage.
She said additional investment is essential to allow smaller communities to compete fairly for funds and underlined the vital role affordable housing plays in sustaining and repopulating the Highlands and Islands.
“It is not only about building new homes,” she said.
“We must also look at retrofitting and renovating the many empty properties that stand in towns, villages and hamlets across the country.”
By bringing disused buildings back to life, Ms Burgess believes communities can be revitalised more quickly and at a lower cost, while also helping to preserve the character and heritage of local areas.
She said this approach offers a double benefit, tackling the shortage of homes while breathing fresh life into struggling high streets and fragile rural settlements.
Ms Burgess added that every community in Scotland, from its largest cities to its most remote villages, deserves the chance to thrive with access to adequate and sustainable housing.
With careful investment and a focus on long-term resilience, she believes Scotland can build not only more houses but stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.
As the debate around affordable housing continues, Ms Burgess’s call for a fair and ambitious approach highlights the importance of rural voices being heard at the heart of decision-making.
