A glorious step forward: Colonsay celebrates official opening of new affordable homes development
On a bright and joyful day, the community of Colonsay gathered to mark a major milestone—the official opening of the island’s newest affordable properties.
A Glorious Step Forward: Colonsay Celebrates the Official Opening of its New Affordable Homes DevelopmentThis has been a special project that represents over a decade of dedication, determination and hope.
The occasion not only celebrated the completion of a vital first phase of a new housing development, but also shone a light on the power of partnership and the strength built by a united community.
Colonsay, a small Hebridean island with a population of fewer than 150 people, has long faced housing challenges.
More than 40 per cent of the island’s existing stock are either second homes or self-catering accommodation, leaving young people and families struggling to remain or return to the place they call home. The rising cost of housing and lack of available properties has pushed many to leave, threatening the sustainability of the island’s community and economy.
Recognising that the time for action had come, the Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) took bold steps to create lasting solutions. Since 2012, CCDC has been working to tackle the housing crisis, exploring avenues to bring affordable living options to the island, but the road was far from easy, especially when it came to finding the right area of land.
After eight years of determined efforts, in April 2020 CCDC secured two key development sites in Scalasaig, thanks to funding from the Scottish Land Fund, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Argyll & Bute Council and a vital private sector partner - Mowi Scotland. One site was designated for affordable housing and the other for business units, enabling economic growth alongside residential stability.
The first phase of development is now complete and includes:
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Two homes available for low-cost home ownership
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Four homes for affordable rent, including three homes for Mowi Scotland employees, providing essential staff accommodation for the island’s fish farming industry
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Three discounted serviced self-build plots
This mix of housing offers a flexible and inclusive model that supports current residents, attracts new families, and meets the needs of essential workers.
As one of the island’s key employers, Mowi Scotland has long been committed to community-focused development. Having previously worked with local communities on the islands of Rum and Muck, the company has now extended that support to Colonsay, recognising that business sustainability goes hand-in-hand with community wellbeing.
The official opening ceremony drew a warm and enthusiastic crowd, including residents, families and dignitaries.
Among them were directors and representatives from CCDC, Mowi, TSL, and BBC Alba, with local MSP Jenni Minto cutting the ribbon. In her speech, she praised the collective spirit that had brought the project to life:
She said: “It is a privilege to be here today among amazing people, surrounded by amazing scenery. This is one of the real examples of communities and organisations working together to make great things happen. The pride in this achievement is echoed across the island today.”
CCDC director Callum Hay offered a heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organisations who helped make the development a reality.
He gave a special mention to Inspiring Scotland - the Local Energy Scotland Fund - and paid particular thanks to Mowi, "whose partnership included both financial investment and infrastructure expertise".
He also paid tribute to project co-ordinator Carrie Seymour for her "outstanding commitment, good humour, tenacity and attention to detail,” and to CCDC Chairman Danny Onn, whose “unending commitment, energy, optimism, and sheer bloody-minded belief pulled us all through.”
TSL built the homes and contracts manager Iain Calder says he is delighted to see the project come to fruition.
He said "As a family-run business headquartered on the Isle of Mull we were proud to work on this project alongside CCDC to create these wonderful new homes for the community.
"The logistics of getting our guys out to work on Colonsay and home after their shifts was a challenge and included ferries, ribs, planes & the occasional cry for help to our colleagues at Skyhook Helicopters. Huge thanks to our teams as well as Coastal Connection, Hebridean Air Services, Donald & Kirsty MacAllister and Tanya at Colonsay Holidays for helping to make the process easier".
Ali Geddes, Mowi’s farm manager on Colonsay, reflected on the occasion with heartfelt pride.
He added: "I’ve worked in aquaculture for 43 years, and the best of those have been the last ten, working for Mowi. I see the positive ripple effects the company creates here on this beautiful island and across Scotland. The commitment to giving back and helping communities thrive is something I’m deeply proud to be part of.”
As the formalities concluded, the celebrations truly began. A lively Strip the Willow ceilidh broke out in the street, followed by a delicious community lunch in the village hall. Guests enjoyed local fare, including Mowi’s own smoked salmon canapés prepared by Colonsay Smokehouse. The day concluded in fitting fashion with a beach clean - bringing residents, guests, and Mowi staff together once more to care for the island’s precious environment.
This housing development represents far more than bricks and mortar. It is the foundation of a renewed and resilient Colonsay - one that offers young people, working families, and essential staff a genuine place to call home. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision and the support of partners who believe in the future.
And for Colonsay, that future just got a whole lot brighter.
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