Tiny Scottish Island Seeks New Residents with Affordable Housing
Two newly built homes on the remote Orkney island of Eday are attracting a surge of interest from across the UK.
The remote Scottish island of Eday, home to just 102 residents, is experiencing a significant influx of interest following the advertisement of two new, modern houses for rent at £550 per month. The initiative aims to attract new residents to bolster the island's school population and support its aging demographic.
These three-bedroom houses, equipped with solar panels, panoramic sea views, and open-plan living spaces, are priced at half the average city-center rent in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The BBC Orkney website's initial listing for the properties reportedly received one million hits, with expressions of interest arriving from as far south as Cornwall.
Alan Kelly, director of the Eday Partnership, a local management group, indicated that ideal candidates would ideally be families or individuals with skills beneficial to the island, such as electricians or mechanics, particularly those with Orkney heritage. He noted that such profiles would likely score highly in the application process.
Local councillor Mellissa Thomson expressed surprise and delight at the overwhelming response, stating, "I never expected this reaction, but I’m delighted to see this much interest in our island. We need people and this could help."
While employment is not guaranteed, Eday's existing businesses have vacancies, and many current residents hold multiple jobs. Local community groups, like the Eday Scarfs Facebook page, have actively encouraged applications from families and caregivers.
Eday is accessible via air and ferry services. The island's efforts to attract new inhabitants highlight a broader trend of seeking sustainable community growth in remote areas.