Here is part of the beach at Luskentyre and it has, obviously, proved to be attractive for a long time. However, there were dramatic declines in population in this, and neighbouring areas, during the 20th Century. Then two years ago the West Harris Trust completed a community buyout. The trends indicate a rise in population, in housing and jobs available and they are featured in this week's Stornoway Gazette.
Scottish Islands Explorer - aware of trends
I was reading the Western Isles Councils forecast on population through to 2020 which shows that the west side of south Harris is somewhat of an anomaly in that it has a high proportion of wealthy incomers - most of them middle aged or retired. This is exactly the same trend that is sustaining populations in islands nearer to the mainland such as Arran and Mull and while there is nothing wrong with it, combined with the aging indiginous population, it means there is going to be a major issue in a few years time as there wont be enough carers for them. Either they leave again - which many do going back to be nearer to families on the mainland - or we need Macarthy and Stone to set up a branch here
ReplyDeleteThe record of recent community land owners such as the West Harris Trust is showing that it is possible to tackle population decline in Scottish islands by creating more jobs and housing for local and younger people - see the new publication by Professor James Hunter 'From the Low Tide of the Sea to the Highest Mountain Tops' available from www.theislandsbooktrust.com
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