The Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland. The settlements on Skye radiate from the mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillins. The island has a population of 10,008, according to the 2011 census and has seen an increase of 8% since the 2001 census.
Portree, renowned for it’s picturesque harbour, is the main settlement on Skye and is where the islands’ secondary school is based. Skye was linked to the mainland in 1995 by a bridge at Kyleakin, connecting Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland. Skye is also connected to the mainland by a ferry service running between Armadale and Mallaig.
A third of the islands workforce are employed by the public sector, particularly education, health and administration. Other big contributors to the economy are tourism, fishing and agriculture as well as the private sector. The Talisker Whisky Distillery provides employment in the provide sector among other small firms.
At one time, Skye was overwhelmingly Gaelic speaking but this has declined greatly, around 31% of the island’s population now speak Gaelic. Scotland’s Gaelic college, Sabhal Mòr Orstaig , is based in Sleat. Students from all over the world are attracted to come and study here.
Sleat Community Trust was formed in 2003 to sustain and support the Sleat Peninsula. Sleat is one of the fastest growing areas in rural Scotland and is also known as the ‘garden of Skye’.
In summer 2013, Rural Housing Scotland worked with the Glendale Trust to conduct a housing needs survey in the area. Glendale is an 18,956 acre estate that extends from Neist Point in the West, to Loch Pooltiel in the North, to Loch Dunvegan in the East.
SOCIAL HOUSING
Highland Council and Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association are the two Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) which own and manage social housing stock on the Isle of Skye.
For an overview off the current housing stock on the Skye, please click here.
HOUSE PLOTS
Any house plots available on Skye are listed here and here
PRIVATE RENTED HOUSING AND HOUSING FOR SALE
Most housing on Skye is privately owned. In many parts of the island there is strong demand for housing for sale from people moving to the island or people looking to buy a holiday home, this helps to increase local house prices.
The Scottish Government promotes initiatives to help first time buyers, but some like the Help to Buy scheme and the MI New Home initiatives are mainly available for new build housing in locations outside of the Hebrides.
Open Market LIFT may be accessible, however access to financial support is currently limited and house price thresholds are low. In Skye, the low threshold means there are few if any houses coming on the market where Open Market LIFT would be relevant. Many islands also have few house sales limiting this option – it is not available for self build.
Islanders may also be able to get help to buy through the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
Please click on the links below to search for housing for rent and sale on Skye.
Isle of Skye Estate Agency | Skye Property Centre | Rightmove |