Rural Housing Service - Case Study: Strathmashie

Case Study: Strashmashie Cottages - page 4 previous page

The Management Agreement
The Renovation Work
Links

The Management Agreement
A crucial factor in securing the loan from Triodos was the agreement of a lease and management agreement between Laggan Community Trading Company and Highland Council. This was done through the existing successful Rural Leasing Scheme operated in Badenoch & Strathspey by Highland Council. Under this scheme the houses were let to Highland Council and then sub let by the council to applicants on their waiting list. The benefits to the Community trading Co. are a secure regular income from rent as well as a managing agent for the properties whilst for the council further houses were brought in to the pool of houses which could be let to local people. The security of the income from Highland Council to Laggan Community Trading Company through the leasing scheme was crucial to the award of the loan.

The Renovation Work

The Strathmashie Houses

The Strathmashie houses

With all the funding in place the real work of getting the houses improved and tenants in them could begin. Laggan Community Trading Company approached Albyn Housing Society to ask if they would be willing to co-ordinate the renovation work for the cottages. Albyn agreed and through their contact the community was able to secure a competitive price for the renovation from a contractor. The work on the houses started in November 1998 and despite a fairly poor winter was completed by March 2000. The cottages were officially opened by Calum MacDonald, Minster for Local Government & Housing on 26th March 1999. The cottages were all let over the summer by Highland Council from their waiting list.

"I am delighted to see how funds from the Empty Homes Initiative are being used to bring the empty houses at Strathmashie back into use for local people. This project is an excellent example of good partnership working to provide much needed affordable housing in a remote rural community. This project will not only provide much needed affordable housing, but will support the work of the community shop and business to ensure the viability of the area with its strong community involvement and participation"

Calum MacDonald MP

Links

The Highland Council - www.highland.gov.uk

Triodos Bank - www.triodos.co.uk

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