SURF Awards Winner:
Housing and Regeneration

What is the aim of the project?

To purchase and convert a disused stone farm steading into affordable housing.

Where is it taking place?

Located near the village of Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders.

What has been achieved?

An independent housing needs study carried out by Rural Housing Scotland in 2019 confirmed the need for affordable housing in the local area. Many estate houses in the valleys had been sold as holiday homes or now housed retired couples. Very little housing was therefore available to rent, and the private rents charged were outwith the reach of most local young people.

Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company (EYCDC) used the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the farm buildings and carry out some feasibility work. EYCDC built five houses for rent, consisting of three 3-bed houses and two 2-bed homes, all A rated for energy efficiency. The team also converted one side of the stone steading into a business unit with four workshop spaces downstairs and three office spaces upstairs, one of which can be used for conferences or co-working.

The project delivers a direct economic and social benefit for the area. The build period created or sustained 11 jobs for over a year, partially during difficult Covid restrictions. The wider economic benefit to the community comes from nine new tenants working for local business and public services. The social benefit comes from families now having children in the local playgroup and primary school, helping to sustain both. One tenant has restarted the local indoor bowling club in Ettrickbridge.

Three of the work spaces are rented by local valley residents who can now work closer to home, including a weaver who runs workshops, further attracting more people to the valley. The business hub, now named Kirkhope Mill, is reducing rural isolation and adding networking opportunities. The Mill has already hosted several conferences and learning visits from other groups. The provision of workspace and affordable living space has had a positive impact on the demographics of the valleys, making it possible for young people to have a future in their own community, helping to sustain the community long-term.

Who is running it?

Delivered by EYCDC, which has over 240 community members who live within the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys.

Why did the judging panel like it?

The judges were very impressed by this cohesive and sensitive rural development which had been driven from the outset by an established and urgent demand for affordable, energy efficient housing in the local area. The judges noted that the viability of the development had been supported by the integration of much-needed workspaces and were delighted to hear how much this quality project had transformed lives, including during discussion with residents and those occupying workspaces.

The Community Development Company’s commitment and determination to deliver the project to help secure the long-term future for the area was clear for all to see. The judges were pleased to hear how it is sharing the learning from the project alongside developing new projects to support the sustainability of the development and surrounding area.