Benbecula is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland that lies between the Isles of North and South Uist and is connected to by causeways. In the 2011 census, Benbecula had a population of 1303, a 7% increase since the 2001 census.
There are no ferry links from Benbecula to the mainland, the nearest ferry services are from Lochboisdale on South Uist to Oban or from Lochmaddy in North Uist to Uig on Skye. There is an airport on Benbecula that provides daily flights to Glasgow, Stornoway and Barra.
The main settlement on the island is Balivanich in the north west, where you’ll find the airport and the bank. Lionacleit , on the main west coastal road, is home to the Uists secondary school that also doubles up as a community centre with swimming pool, sports facilities, a small museum, library and cafe.
Benbecula still has a strong Gaelic speaking population. It is estimate that Benbecula is still over 50% Gaelic speaking. The weakest speaking area is Balivanich, which is 37% Gaelic speaking with most other areas on the island ranging between 62% and 74% Gaelic speaking.
In November 2006, parts of the island were bought by local residents in a community buyout.
SOCIAL HOUSING
Hebridean Housing Partnership manages the social housing stock on the Isle of Benbecula. It is a not-for-profit housing association that manages over 2000 properties in the Western Isles. If you would like more information on HHP and social housing on Benbecula, or you are looking for a housing application form, please visit their website.
For an overview of the number of HHP properties on Benbecula, click here.
HOUSE PLOTS
Any house plots available on Benbecula are listed here, here and at the Estate Agent links below.
PRIVATE RENTED HOUSING & HOUSING FOR SALE
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.
Islanders may also be able to get help to buy through the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
Information on properties available for rent and sale can be found at the following locations:
Hebridean Estate Agency | Western Isles Properties | Gumtree | Rightmove |
“The Local Housing Agency”