MICT bought the former schoolhouse at Pennyghael, in the south of Mull, in 2021 and let it as a long-term home. The purchase kept the house in permanent occupation rather than losing it to the second home or holiday let market.
How the house came to MICT
Pennyghael Schoolhouse was owned by the Brunton family for many years. After the death of Mamie Brunton, her son Sandy and his family decided to sell, but did not want the house becoming a second home or a holiday let.
Sandy Brunton was Convenor of Mull and Iona Community Trust at the time and knew the shortage of affordable, secure rental homes at first hand. He offered MICT first refusal. The directors agreed, and funding was sought straight away.
“Having grown up in Pennyghael Schoolhouse, it is very much part of my family background. It is lovely to see a family moving into this house,” he said.
Buying and renovating
Thanks to grants from the Scottish Land Fund and Argyll & Bute Council, a mortgage from Ecology Building Society and a discount from the Brunton family, the schoolhouse was bought at the end of March 2021.
Local tradesmen then carried out extensive renovations to the Victorian property, including a new air source heating system to make the house more energy efficient.
Choosing tenants
An allocation policy was drawn up and agreed by members of the Pennyghael community, along with representatives of MICT and South West Mull and Iona Development. It gave priority to families in housing need living in Mull.
The Bevington family moved in early in January 2022, having previously been in a long-term let elsewhere on the island. New tenant Sian Bevington said, “We are so happy and relieved to have been chosen to live in the Schoolhouse”.
The purchase brought MICT’s housing portfolio to seven properties.
TO CONFIRM: The figure of seven properties dates from early 2022. Confirm the current total before this goes live.
Doing more of this
MICT wants to hear from local individuals, businesses and groups with ideas for more homes. That includes underused properties that could be let, sellers who want their house permanently occupied, businesses interested in staff housing, and landowners who could offer crofting opportunities.
Other housing work under way includes working with the private sector, investigating croft creation, bringing empty properties back into use, and applying Rural Housing Burdens to properties.
For all housing matters, contact Helen MacDonald on 01680 812 912 or email hmacdonald@mict.co.uk.