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Affordable housing development transforms Colonsay community

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 Affordable housing development transforms Colonsay community

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A major milestone has been achieved on the Inner Hebrides island of Colonsay with the completion of nine affordable homes at Scalasaig. The homes, developed by the Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC), aim to tackle the critical shortage of housing on the island while supporting the local economy.

The project received a £1.1m investment from seafood company Mowi Scotland Limited, which has a local fish farm. The company’s contribution covered the purchase of three of the homes, which will be used as staff accommodation for Mowi employees working at the island’s fish farm, as well as essential infrastructure improvements for the wider development.

Law firm Harper Macleod has been a key partner throughout this initiative. The firm’s involvement began in 2020 when Calum MacLeod, partner in Rural Property, Forestry, Community Land & Crofting, advised CCDC on the purchase of the development site. Since then, Harper Macleod has provided legal expertise on site assembly, securities for funding, and the final house sales to Mowi. The project has come full circle, with Calum’s initial work on acquiring the site paving the way for its transformation into much needed housing. This continuity highlights the strength of Harper Macleod’s long-term commitment to supporting impactful community projects.

Euan Bowie, senior solicitor in Commercial Real Estate based in Inverness, who completed the sale of the three houses at Scalasaig on Colonsay to Mowi, said: “This development represents a significant achievement for the Colonsay Community Development Company and the island. The partnership with Mowi Scotland Limited demonstrates how collaboration can address housing challenges while boosting local businesses and the community as a whole. We are proud to have been part of this journey from the beginning.”

Harper Macleod has supported numerous community projects across Scotland, contributing to initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for rural areas.

The completion of these nine affordable homes marks a transformative moment for the Colonsay community. Housing availability has long been a pressing issue on the island, and this development not only addresses an immediate need but also strengthens our local year-round economy by supporting critical employment opportunities. We are grateful to Mowi Scotland Limited for its generous investment and to Harper Macleod for its expert legal guidance throughout this process. Both have played an important role in turning our vision into reality.

Dannie Onn, chair at CCDC

This support for CCDC follows Harper Macleod’s work advising the Scottish National Investment Bank and its investment to create six affordable homes on Shetland, the first mid-market rental properties on the island.

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