Councillor Rae Mackenzie hopes that the Comhairle will further discuss and review policy in retaining young islanders and helping them to purchase houses on the island.
At the last council, Cllr Mackenzie raised the question of people from outwith the islands buying up homes, many as holiday homes, resulting in young locals unable to compete and communities becoming ghost villages.
Cllr Mackenzie stated : “I understand that this is a case of willing seller and willing buyer, and that huge council tax increases for second homes would not be a deterrent. Surely something could be done to provide help for young people living here- or young islanders wishing to return, to be assisted in some way..”
This led to an interesting discussion with a number of councillors taking part and suggesting that public bodies and grazing committees be approached to discuss the possibilities of providing land for this purpose..
Cllr Mackenzie added : “ It is crucial that we make it easier for our young to set up home here and do all we can as a local authority to facilitate that.”
