Key worker housing crisis is stifling Mull

Accommodation is urgently needed for at least 260 workers across Mull and Iona.

The lack of key worker accommodation is stifl ing businesses, hampering the islands’ economy and negatively impacting on essential public services, says a report.

A feasibility study commissioned by Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) shows there is an ‘overwhelming’ housing need for staff working at island businesses, as well as schools, healthcare and other public sector organisations.

MICT’s general manager Moray Finch says funding will now be sought for an accommodation pilot scheme, working with Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, businesses and other stakeholders.

More than 50 businesses responded to the survey that formed the report, with more than 75 per cent of them confi rming the lack of accommodation was impacting them, restricting the number of staff they could recruit and creating problems keeping workers - two thirds of them said the situation was limiting plans to grow their businesses.

Results showed accommodation is needed right now for 127 workers and for 133 others across the islands.

Given the survey was only a sample of businesses, the reality of actual demand is much higher, says the report that recommended MICT should go ahead with developing accommodation for key workers and consider a pilot project working with Argyll and Bute Council.

Moveable pods, modular new build accommodation and shared accommodation options are just some of the ideas put forward in the report that makes a strong case that investment from the council’s £70million Rural Growth Deal would have a signifi cant positive impact.

One third of businesses which took part in the survey said they would be willing to invest in a solution but the report acknowledged delivering key worker accommodation would not be straight forward.

Up until now, plans have been restrained by issues including access to land and

funding, as well as landlord legislation that does not fi t well with seasonal staffi ng needs.

Owner of Mull’s Island Bakery Joe Reade said: ‘The scarcity of affordable housing on Mull is the single biggest barrier to a secure economy and healthy society on our island. As an employer

we fi nd it in- “credibly diffi cult to recruit, at all levels. We have ambitions to grow, but one of the biggest risks and costs we face is the inability to recruit the additional staff we need to do that. MICT is to be applauded for this initiative, which will hopefully begin to address this critical issue.’

Argyll and Bute Council’s head of development and economic growth Fergus Murray has also welcomed the survey and its fi ndings, saying it will be helpful.

Funding for the Mull and Iona Key Worker Housing Study Executive Summary came from the Rural Communities Ideas into Action fund, supported by the Scottish government and delivered by Inspiring Scotland. Meanwhile, Mull-based TSL builders have answered an SOS by CalMac by offering island accommodation for 14 workers starting on the new Loch Frisa ferry which came int service in June. The ferry operator says it is continuing to look at options and appreciates all the help.

Finding accommodation for key workers is also an issue on Coll, where social housing charity ACHA has just agreed a lease on one

of its houses so health workers have a place to stay. A conditional job offer has now been made to fi ll a long-vacant live-in nursing post. Talks also began earlier this year about ACHA buying and doing up two empty NHS Highland houses in disrepair on the remote The scarcity island so they can be reof affordable turned as affordable homes. housing on Mull Out on Coll, Argyll and is the single Bute Council has just one biggest barrier house for education staff. to a secure economy and The refurbished school house is for the headteacher’s use, whose post is healthy society split between the island’s on our island primary school in Arinagour and Kilninver Primary School back on the mainland. Although ACHA has not had a request to help house other teaching staff living on the island, such a request would be considered,t said its chief executive Alastair MacGregor.