I was delighted to meet with Islay Development Initiative members in Bowmore today. I was given details on the planned development of the 264 acre Cornabus Forest site at the south west of Islay.

They asked people how they would like to see the forest managed and developed. Good quality affordable housing to rent or buy was a clear priority for many people.

They are also looking at what other island and rural communities have done with woodlands and affordable housing, before deciding what would work best at Cornabus Forest. The Islay Development Initiative board has now approved a proposal to develop community owned housing as part of a wider plan to make best use of the forest and the local resources we have available.

There is hope to create several apprenticeships through our affordable housing project, with plans to use simple construction techniques to enable local people to play a role in building the new homes.

Materials will be sourced on Islay where possible, helping to support a sustainable approach to development and living.

As I have stated so many times before housing is a key pillar of economic growth and lack of available housing for local residents is a large factor in rural population decline. Good quality and accessible housing is a must for the Kintyre and Islands ward and the rest of Argyll and Bute.

Cllr Alastair Redman