46 empty homes have been brought back into use in the Western Isles over the last year, according to figures from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.  

The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership was created by the SNP Scottish Government in 2010 to bring disused homes back into use – and has brought 12,955 into use since then, including 345 over the last 10 years in the Western Isles  

The progress has been welcomed by local MSP Alasdair Allan, who has re-iterated the SNP Government’s commitment to housing in Scotland.  

Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:  

“I welcome the news that over the last year, 46 more empty homes have been brought back into use locally, part of a record high 2,066 empty homes brought back into use by the Scottish Government’s scheme. I would also like to commend the work of the Comhairle on this front, and in particular their Empty Homes Officer.

“We are all aware of the scale of the housing crisis here in the Western Isles and across Scotland – so every home brought back into use is a victory.   

“Empty homes alone won’t solve the housing emergency – but bringing them back into use is cost-effective and supports communities, making it a core part of our plan to tackle the housing emergency in Scotland.” 

Full report can be found here: https://emptyhomespartnership.scot/impact-report/2025/annual-impact-report-2025/