National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care Information Hub

Across Argyll & Bute, shortages of affordable housing have made it increasingly difficult for health and social care services to attract and retain the staff needed to support remote, rural and island communities. Declining private rental availability, high seasonal demand, and limited long‑term options have created significant barriers for new workers — and, in turn, for the sustainability of essential local services.

Through a bold partnership between Argyll & Bute HSCP, Argyll & Bute Council, Shelter Scotland, and the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, an innovative approach has emerged. By bringing empty homes back into use and purchasing properties where needed, the project is creating high‑quality, affordable accommodation for multidisciplinary health and social care staff across the mainland and islands — from Coll to Campbeltown and beyond.

The results have been transformative. The project has enabled the recruitment and retention of critical staff groups — including GPs, nurses, OTs, physios, and care‑at‑home workers — by ensuring they have a place to live when taking up island and rural posts. In Campbeltown, the availability of housing directly made it possible to re‑establish vital services.

These solutions have significantly reduced reliance on hotels and short‑term lets, generating meaningful cost savings for the HSCP and creating a more stable, sustainable workforce model. 

This case study highlights the power of collaborative problem‑solving and the impact that creative housing solutions can have on service delivery, community resilience and rural repopulation. It also showcases the work of Empty Homes Officers like Isla Binnie, whose hands‑on support helps incoming staff find the right accommodation quickly and confidently.