Coigach secures funding for first social homes since 1974

Coigach Community Development Company <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Coigach Community Development Company (Image: Supplied)
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A remote Highland community is set to build its first new social homes in more than half a century after securing funding for a major housing project.

Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) has received the backing needed to begin construction of 10 energy-efficient homes at Achagarry in Achiltibuie, marking the first social housing development in the area since 1974.

Coigach Community Development Company (Image: Supplied)

The £3 million project will transform the former Achiltibuie Hydroponicum site into much-needed affordable housing for local families and residents.

Named Achagarry, meaning "place of the garden", the development will be built on a brownfield site purchased by CCDC in 2023 using funding from the Scottish Land Fund and income generated by the community-owned wind turbine.

Extensive preparatory work has taken place since then, including site investigations, surveys, feasibility studies and design work.

Planning permission was granted in July 2025, allowing the project to move into the construction phase.

Funding secured for the development includes £1,840,950 from the Scottish Government's Rural & Islands Housing Fund, £575,920 from the Capital Regeneration Grant Fund administered by Highland Council and £95,000 from the SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund.

CCDC has also contributed funding generated through its renewable energy projects, helping secure the finances required to appoint contractors and begin work.

Local contractor Ullapool Construction Ltd has been selected to deliver the development, with construction expected to begin by the end of June.

The homes are expected to play a key role in addressing housing shortages, supporting local families and helping sustain the long-term future of the community, which is home to around 240 people.

CCDC was established in 2010 to tackle challenges facing the area, including a lack of affordable housing, a declining school roll, ageing demographics and infrastructure concerns.



Chair of Coigach Community Development Company Ben Walton said: "This is an exciting time for Coigach.

"The last social housing was built in 1974, where I grew up myself, and it took nearly 15 years to get this site but finally, we are well on the way to a whole new chapter."

CCDC chief executive Laura Hamlet said: "The good news about funding was on hold due to the election, and our team has been itching to share this, now we can finally put our hard hats on and crack on."

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