Harris

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Harris is the southern and more mountainous part of Lewis and Harris. The islands are joined by the Clisham, the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides at 2,621 feet. Harris has a population of 1,984 with the main settlement being Tarbert. Tarbert is the main ferry port and has a population of 550.

Harris was joined to Scalpay in 1997 when the bridge opened on the east coast of the island.

There are daily ferries from Tarbert to Uig in Skye with more frequent services in the summer months. There are also daily sailings from Leverburgh in southern Harris to Berneray, an island off the coast of North Uist, a causeway connects the latter islands.

There is a secondary school in Tarbert that serves Harris, Sir E Scott School, which also boasts a primary education department.

The island is famous for Harris Tweed, no part of the process such as dying, weaving, spinning or finishing the tweed products takes place outwith Eilean Siar.

Community Groups on Harris

North Harris Trust The North Harris Trust aims to build a stronger community and enhance the wild and wonderful landscape.

The Trust currently has affordable plots for, some with planning consent. Click here to look at their land for sale.

West Harris Trust  The key aims of the West Harris Trust are:

  • Revitalize the community by attracting new residents and creating new housing and employment opportunities
  • Create environmentally sustainable energy for the community via small hydro and micro-wind projects
  • Conserve and increase understanding of our stunning natural and cultural heritage

You can help the community of West Harris by donating OR fundraising on their behalf, through their Total Giving page. However large or small your contribution, it will be greatly appreciated and will help the Trust carry forward work for community benefit.

SOCIAL HOUSING

Hebridean Housing Partnership manages the social housing stock on the Isle of Harris. 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 Harris, or you are looking for a housing application form, please visit their website.

For an overview of the HHP properties on Harris, please click here.

HOUSE PLOTS

Any house plots available on Harris is are listed here, here and at the Estate Agent links below.

PRIVATE RENTED HOUSING & HOUSING FOR SALE

Most housing on Harris is privately owned. There are a limited number of houses sold every year and there is often strong demand increasing 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 Harris, 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

Information on properties available for rent  and sale can be found at the following locations:

Hebridean Estate Agency | Western Isles Properties | Gumtree | Rightmove |

 

TIG IMAGE

“The Local Housing Agency”

www.tighean.co.uk

 

For an overview of the number of HHP properties on Harris, click here.