Argyll and Bute Council has approved planning consent for a development of four new affordable houses at Ulva Ferry, Isle of Mull, led by Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) working with Ulva School Community Association (USCA).

Councillor David Kinniburgh, Policy Lead for Planning, Protective Services, and Licensing (PPSL), said: “Argyll and Bute’s future prosperity will be built on growing its population. So it’s wonderful to see a rural community take the lead in determining its future.

“Our planning team goes the extra mile to make things happen. We work with developers of all shapes and sizes to create the sort of communities where families want to build their homes and their futures.”

Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Housing, Roads and Infrastructure Services, said: “We know we have a great quality of life in Argyll and Bute for people of all ages. But providing quality, affordable housing is one of the cornerstones of making it even more attractive place for young people and young families – this has been identified time and time again.

“I’d like to congratulate MICT and USCA for their achievements. I, no doubt like them, look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes on Mull in the future and to watching them support their island's growing prosperity.”

The project has been three-years in the making and has been made possible by securing a package of funding that includes £777,855 from the Scottish Government’s Rural & Islands Housing Fund, £48,000 from Argyll and Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund, a mortgage from Ecology Building Society and many individual donations.

Additional support has come from Scottish Land Fund, The Prince’s Countryside Fund, Nationwide Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise for funding the Project Officer’s post.

MICT has now appointed The Wee House Company to undertake the build of the development.

More information on the project can be found at: https://www.mict.co.uk/projects-services/ulva-ferry-housing-project-2/