Whitebeam Homes

Whitebeam Homes is the name of an affordable housing charity set up under the auspices of Scottish Churches Housing Action whose purpose is to meet housing need on Arran by purchasing or leasing already existing local houses for let to tenants at affordable rents. On Monday 25th of November there was an inaugural meeting at Brodick Pavilion to celebrate the first house purchase by the charity. The meeting was attended by representatives of local groups, Churches Housing Action, Sannox Christian Centre and the Community Council. The house will shortly be tenanted and undergo some interior refurbishment.

The value of Whitebeam’s policy at a time when there are a large number of houses for sale on the island is that tenants will reside in already existing communities, a more inclusive experience than moving into a new urban housing estate. An additional benefit is that in some cases, holiday homes may be converted into permanent residences. These are early days in the charity’s development and it is hoped that they may be able to buy or factor many more of Arran’s empty houses. This requires funds at a time when money is in short supply. However, as a reliable borrower, the charity may make further purchases with low interest loans which could be repaid through rental.

Arran Community Council has always advocated the purchase of already existing homes for local people and fully supports Whitebeam. Though the Community Council has no funds of its own, it will support further fund raising by the charity through advocacy and representation on NAC’s rural housing sub-committee. The charity’s purpose is one well worth supporting.