ACC is delighted to welcome local households into their new homes this week, the first community-owned accommodation on the peninsula and the first affordable houses built in Applecross for 18 years. An Toll Bàn (translated as “fair hollow”) is a community-led development of three accessible homes and is a real milestone for the area. They have been built in response to concerns about the lack of good quality, affordable accommodation for the local community.
Background
The development was undertaken by ACC with support from the Communities Housing Trust, who will manage the properties on behalf of ACC and at an affordable rent level.
The site for these new homes was purchased by ACC from NHS Highland in 2020, with support from the Scottish Land Fund. The project’s construction has been supported by the Rural Housing Fund, SSE’s Sustainable Development Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Applecross’ community-owned hydro project Apple Juice. Kinellan Building Ltd were contracted to build the homes, which are also affordable to run, a key aspect in tackling fuel poverty.
In addition to the An Toll Bàn properties, ACC will also be developing further affordable houses and community facilities on another site which we hope will enable young folk and families to stay in the community.
