Additional examples
Ensuring access to suitable, affordable accommodation is increasingly recognised as a critical factor in attracting and retaining the health and care workforce in Scotland’s remote and rural areas. Recent national evidence highlights that housing availability is one of the biggest barriers to recruitment and long‑term sustainability of services, with lack of local accommodation making it difficult for staff to settle within the communities they serve.
This section showcases innovative, practical examples of organisations that are tackling these challenges head‑on—creating new housing solutions, forming cross‑sector partnerships, and developing models that support workforce stability and vibrant rural communities.
Skye Nurses' Cottage
A community-led project on Skye is transforming a former nurses’ cottage into much‑needed accommodation for NHS staff, strengthening local recruitment and retention efforts. Led by the Staffin Community Trust, the redevelopment builds on their wider work to expand affordable housing and ensure essential health and care services can be sustainably delivered in the area.
Find out more about this project: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c14mgr5eplxo
Broadford Mackinnon Memorial Hospital
The redevelopment of the former Mackinnon Memorial Hospital site in Broadford represents a major community‑led effort to address the pressing shortage of staff accommodation and integrated facilities for health and social care on Skye. Building on the recommendations of the Sir Lewis Ritchie Report and supported by a wide partnership of local organisations, the project aims to create a new health and social care “village” that provides short‑term staff housing, student accommodation, and space for step‑up/step‑down care alongside wider community‑focused services. With both immediate and long‑term development phases planned, the initiative reflects a shared vision to strengthen workforce sustainability, improve service resilience, and ensure the local community has a meaningful voice in shaping future health and care infrastructure.
This project is in early stages of progress. For more information contact us on nes.ruralteam@nhs.scot