SLE expresses disappointment at closure of Rural Housing Scotland

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) is deeply saddened to learn of the closure of Rural Housing Scotland (RHS), which has served rural communities for over two decades.

The charity announced its closure on Tuesday due to severe funding difficulties.

Since it was established in 2001, the organisation has made a significant and sustained contribution to addressing the urgent housing needs of Scotland's rural areas, and its absence will be felt across the sector.

RHS was renowned for its pivotal role in demonstrating the stark imbalance between housing demand and supply. Their annual conference provided a unique platform for stakeholders to explore both the challenges and opportunities in rural housing, fostering collaboration and understanding among various parties.

Patrick Colquhoun, Vice Chair (Policy) of SLE, said: “The work of Rural Housing Scotland has made a meaningful difference in supporting rural communities to secure affordable housing.

“Their innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to raising awareness of housing issues have been crucial in highlighting the challenges we face.

“Earlier this year, the Scottish Government published a depopulation action plan and it seems incredibly short sighted that a charity trying to address one of the root causes of depopulation finds itself unable to continue operating.

“The Scottish Government has already declared that we are facing a housing emergency, yet the closure of lifeline services on the front line of tackling this emergency would suggest that things are only getting worse, with a disproportional impact on rural communities. Rural Housing Scotland’s closure must be a wakeup call for the Scottish Government.”

Members of Scottish Land & Estates are one of the largest suppliers of rural housing stock in Scotland, accounting for homes for more than 13,000 families.