Scottish charity supporting rural communities to secure affordable housing announces closure
A charity dedicated to supporting rural communities in securing affordable local housing, is set to close its doors due to lack of funding.
Founded in 2001, Rural Housing Scotland was established to help rural communities address housing needs, alleviate rural homelessness, and improve poor housing conditions.
Wendy Reid, chairperson of RHS, shared: “The challenges facing rural housing have not diminished, and it is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the closure of Rural Housing Scotland.
“However, we are proud of the role RHS has played in shining a light on these critical issues and raising awareness among policymakers and the public.”
Access to affordable rural housing remains a major issue in communities throughout the Highlands, with many young people not being able to stay where they were brought up.
Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire Angus MacDonald has warned that the closure must trigger soul-searching among SNP ministers.
Commenting on the closure, Mr MacDonald said: “Rural Scotland needs more housing and this charity have been at the forefront of making that case for more than 20 years.
“For this important voice to be silenced due to lack of funds when there is Scotland-wide housing crisis and a record number of children in temporary accommodation is extremely disappointing.
“I think there needs to be some real soul searching among Edinburgh-based ministers about what on earth their plan is for rural communities. Without affordable housing businesses can’t grow, public services can’t find the staff they need and the vibrancy of our communities is at risk.”
Despite its success and the growing need for rural housing, the charity has faced significant financial challenges due to a lack of sufficient funding in recent years. Without core funding to sustain its operations, RHS has made the difficult decision to close.
Highland MSP Emma Roddick said: “It's deeply concerning that Rural Housing Scotland has had to take the decision to close, particularly given how much development has already been delivered in the Highlands and Islands with its support.
“I have written to the Housing Minister to ask how Rural Housing Scotland's closure will impact the delivery of much-needed homes in the region and hope that there are conversations ongoing about whether interventions can be made and what can fill the gap that will be created by this loss.”
While Rural Housing Scotland will no longer be active, the charity emphasises that the need for affordable housing in rural areas remains urgent.
RHS encourages others to continue the work it began, ensuring that Scotland’s rural and island communities remain vibrant with affordable and inspiring homes for all who wish to live there.
Highland SNP MSP Maree Todd added: “For over 20 years, Rural Housing Scotland has played a valuable role in addressing rural housing challenges, supporting community developments, and influencing policy. I'm disappointed to hear the news of their closure.
"The issue of rural housing shortages remains, with much work still to be done. The Scottish Government is committed to expanding the supply of affordable housing, with plans to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, at least 10 per cent of which will be in remote, rural, and island communities.
“In my constituency, this will be essential in tackling depopulation and helping to build strong, thriving communities.”
