Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has welcomed news that work has begun on 12 new affordable homes on Skye, but has highlighted the need for many more across the region.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: "Any new affordable homes on Skye are welcome, but the reality is that many more are needed to come even close to meeting demand.
"This is an issue that is raised time and time again by my constituents across the Highlands and Islands, and it is one that I raised with the Deputy First Minister in Parliament only last month.
“While money has been allocated by the Scottish Government for rural and island housing, too much of it remains sitting in government coffers in Edinburgh and not being used to build the homes it’s so desperately needed for. Only £18 million of the £30 million pot had been used, despite the schemes being extended.
“If we want young people to be able to stay and bring up their families in the communities they themselves grew up in, then they need to be able to rent or buy locally. Meeting housing demand is a key part of ensuring sustainable rural communities.
"I hope the Scottish Government will look at how support is provided to deliver the required affordable housing in rural areas and islands, and that must include ensuring that the funds already made available are getting to those that need them”.
