Founded in February 2001, RHS was established with a mission to help rural communities across Scotland address housing needs, alleviate rural homelessness, and improve poor housing conditions. Operating under the tagline ‘local homes: national voice’, the charity has been a passionate advocate for rural housing solutions and a powerful force for change.

“Despite its success and the growing need for rural housing, the charity has faced significant financial challenges due to a lack of sufficient funding in recent years,” the charity said in a statement. “Without core funding to sustain its operations, RHS has made the difficult decision to close.”

Wendy Reid, chair of RHS, said: “The challenges facing rural housing have not diminished, and it is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the closure of Rural Housing Scotland. However, we are proud of the role RHS has played in shining a light on these critical issues and raising awareness among policymakers and the public.”

The charity added: “RHS extends its deepest gratitude to its dedicated staff, board of directors, supporters, and funders, as well as the many communities and landowners they have partnered with over the years.

“While Rural Housing Scotland will no longer be active, the charity emphasises that the need for affordable housing in rural areas remains urgent. RHS encourages others to continue the work it began, ensuring that Scotland’s rural and island communities remain vibrant with affordable and inspiring homes for all who wish to live there.”

Throughout its history, RHS has worked tirelessly to overcome the unique challenges of providing housing in rural areas. The organisation collaborated with communities, policymakers, and partners to tackle the high costs and complexities of rural housing development. These grassroots efforts not only informed local projects but also played a crucial role in shaping policies and influencing funding organisations to better address the needs of rural communities.

RHS was known for its pioneering approach, including the introduction of local housing needs surveys. In one memorable instance, a dedicated staff member conducted surveys with ferry passengers travelling to and from the Isle of Mull. This spirit of innovation was a hallmark of RHS, as the organisation consistently sought out new ways to meet the housing needs of rural communities.

A key fixture in the rural housing landscape was the annual RHS conference, which became a must-attend event for anyone invested in rural housing. For many years, the last Friday in February was marked on the calendars of ministers, government officials, housing associations, academics, funders, and community groups alike.

Held at venues such as the Birnam Arts Centre and later in Aviemore, the conference attracted over 100 attendees each year. These gatherings fostered lively discussions, shared best practices, and explored new ideas for tackling rural housing challenges. The conference became a cornerstone for building the rural housing sector’s collective voice, advocating for greater investment and policy support.

Other organisations have been warning about housing challenges in rural communities.

Community Land Scotland has recently called for young people to have a legal right to live in the communities where they grew up.

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) said it is “deeply saddened” to learn of the closure of Rural Housing Scotland.

Patrick Colquhoun, vice chair (policy) of SLE, said: “The work of Rural Housing Scotland has made a meaningful difference in supporting rural communities to secure affordable housing.

“Their innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to raising awareness of housing issues have been crucial in highlighting the challenges we face.

“Earlier this year, the Scottish Government published a depopulation action plan and it seems incredibly short sighted that a charity trying to address one of the root causes of depopulation finds itself unable to continue operating.

“The Scottish Government has already declared that we are facing a housing emergency, yet the closure of lifeline services on the front line of tackling this emergency would suggest that things are only getting worse, with a disproportional impact on rural communities. Rural Housing Scotland’s closure must be a wakeup call for the Scottish Government.”