Mowi was proud to be part of the official opening ceremony for an affordable housing development on Colonsay of which it worked to develop in partnership with Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC), Highland and Islands Enterprise and Argyll and Bute Council.

Mowi has been farming on Colonsay since 2015 and over that time has built a strong relationship with CCDC which aims to provide a more sustainable future for residents of the island.

More than 40 per cent of the island’s existing housing stock is either second homes or self-catering accommodation, leaving young people and families struggling to remain or return to the place they call home. The rising cost of housing and lack of available properties has forced many to leave, threatening the sustainability of the island’s community and economy.

After eight years of determined efforts, in April 2020 CCDC secured two key development sites in Scalasaig. Mowi was the principal funder for the site groundworks and services provision as well as three housing units for staff. Mowi was also happy to partner with CCDC as the group obtained additional funding from different bodies such as Argyll & Bute Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Government and the Communities Housing Trust to build the other houses in the development.

The first phase of development is now complete and includes:

• Two homes available for low-cost ownership
• Four homes for affordable rent, including three homes for Mowi Scotland employees, providing essential staff accommodation for the island’s fish farming industry
• Three discounted serviced self-build plots

This mix of housing offers a flexible and inclusive model that supports current residents, attracts new families, and meets the needs of essential workers.

The official opening ceremony was well attended by everyone involved in this flagship project. After cutting the ribbon, local MSP Jenni Minto praised the collective spirit that had brought the project to life: “It is a privilege to be here today among amazing people, surrounded by amazing scenery. This is one of the real examples of communities and organisations working together to make great things happen. The pride in this achievement is echoed across the island today.”

CCDC director Callum Hay offered a heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organisations who helped make the development a reality. He gave a special mention to Inspiring Scotland, the Local Energy Scotland Fund, and paid particular thanks to Mowi for its partnership approach, financial investment and infrastructure expertise.

Ali Geddes, Mowi’s farm manager on Colonsay, expressed his pride in the project: “I’ve worked in aquaculture for 43 years, and the best of those have been the last 10, working for Mowi. I see the positive ripple effects the company creates here on this beautiful island and across Scotland. The commitment to giving back and helping communities thrive is something I’m deeply proud to be part of.”

The opening ceremony was followed by a ceilidh with a strip the willow in the street as well as a community lunch in the village hall where guests enjoyed Mowi’s own smoked salmon canapés prepared by Colonsay Smokehouse.

In a fitting end to the day, residents, guests and Mowi staff came together for a beach clean, caring for the beautiful natural environment they are proud to call home.

The Colonsay affordable housing project has attracted media attention including BBC Alba and BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today.