Like many parts of rural Scotland, Tarland has suffered from the twin challenges of under-investment in affordable housing and increasing levels of commuting to towns and cities. This has pushed up house prices to more than seven times the average income.

Kathy Dale of Tarland Development Group said: “Affordable housing is much needed in Tarland. It would enable young people to stay in, or return to, the village and bring up families; key workers could live in the area close to where they work; and older people could downsize whilst remaining part of our community. We are very pleased to be working with Rural Housing Scotland on this important initiative.”

RHS development officer, Sam Foster, will be working with TDG and the wider community of Tarland to establish a dedicated group aimed at delivering much-needed high-quality affordable housing in the village. As an experienced architect with a passion for sustainable development, and experience of working on RHS projects in Braemar and Lismore, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge to this new venture.

He added: “Tarland is a prime example of an area which could benefit hugely from more affordable housing and it is great to be part of this community-led project. I look forward to working with local residents to look at the best ways to address the local housing need and help ensure a sustainable and thriving future for the village.”

The partnership with Tarland Development Group is just one of the many community-led housing projects currently supported by Rural Housing Scotland across the country. 

For more information on RHS’s work with communities visit here.