Glengorm Farming Partnership has secured significant funding to convert disused farm buildings near Tobermory into five affordable housing units. Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) were significant in acquiring the funding allocated to Glengorm, who are the first private landowner in Argyll to have been awarded such a grant.
Glengorm affordable Housing Project is addressing the lack of houses for permanent occupation on Mull and Iona, which is cited as the biggest challenge regarding the future of sustainability on the islands.
Tom Nelson, owner of Glengorm, said, “Repurposing redundant farm buildings is a great way to add to the rental housing stock in our community without greatly impacting the beauty of the island. The addition of these 5 homes will increase our long-term rental properties to 13 on Glengorm, with well over 50 residents, the highest number in over 120 years.”
The project has been made possible thanks to grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural & Islands Housing Fund, and Argyll & Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund. MICT were key in facilitating the project through securing funding and carrying out community consultation along with AGL Architects leading the project and construction by Gus Robertson Building Contractors.
Increasing affordable housing in rural communities in Scotland is the primary impact of the Glengorm project, with the hopes of inspiring other landowners to follow suit. The collaboration with AGL Architects, Gus Robertson Building Contractors and MICT in the implementation of the housing project has led to the creation of many jobs for individuals in the local community.