South West Mull and Iona Development are a company limited by guarantee and are a development trust covering the areas of Gribun, Tiroran, the Ross of Mull and Iona. The Ross of Mull includes the three largest settlements in the south of Mull; Pennyghael, Bunessan and Fionnphort.

SWMID’s Community Consultations in 2016 revealed a concern about the lack of affordable housing in South West Mull and Iona. In 2017, Our Island Home were asked to help investigate and demonstrate whether the perceived lack of affordable housing was creating a real housing need.

Two surveys were completed by the end of 2017; one for South West Mull and one for Iona. A sizeable need was demonstrated for South West Mull and, quite interestingly, a need was also apparent on Iona despite the 5 units completed in Spring 2016.

With support from the Islands Housing Fund, South West Mull and Iona Development have appointed Our Island Home to conduct a detailed, below housing market area investigation into housing need and explore potential partnerships with West Highland Housing Association to deliver affordable housing in Bunessan.

In January 2020, Our Island Home will be conducting surveys of households in the area. Working alongside South West Mull and Iona Development staff and directors, we will be conducting door-to-door surveys and launching an online questionnaire. The surveys and questionnaire have been timed to coincide with the consultations the development trust is conducting to update their community plan.

At the same time, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands are investigating potential designs and costs for delivering the new housing.