The tiny community of 15 on the Isle of Canna is appealing for donations to help complete the funding package to build three community owned houses.
The aim is to gradually increase the population of Canna to around 30 but currently there are no available empty houses on the island to enable the population to grow.
The Isle of Canna Community Development Trust has launched a crowd funding appeal to complete the £750,000 total of funding required to build the houses.
The community has to raise £200,000 as their contribution to the overall cost.
The houses will be managed and owned by the community; they will be warm, energy efficient and let at affordable rents.
The island’s owner, the National Trust for Scotland, have released the land needed for this development.
It is planned to start building these 3 new community owned houses in spring 2022 so that Canna can welcome its new residents later in 2022.
Geraldine Mackinnon, Chair of the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust, said:
“The Isle of Canna Community may be small but we are always up for any challenge that will help us create a sustainable future for our island.
“We have a positive track record with previous projects and hope everyone will come on board and help us make our Community Housing a reality.”
Clea Warner, National Trust for Scotland General Manager for the Highlands & Islands, said:
“Our charity is entirely supportive of this community initiative and congratulate the IoCCDT for the positive steps they have taken.
“It is in our mutual interest to see a thriving community on Canna.
“We are certain the approach taken here will lead to sustainable development that enables the island population to live in harmony with the precious natural beauty that surrounds them and to benefit from it through the opportunities that result.”
