In August 2023, CCDC made the decision to sell the site of the former Achiltibuie Smokehouse in Altandhu. Since acquiring the site in 2007, CCDC has tried a number of initiatives but none have been a perfect fit.  Planning permission in principle was secured for two houses, but development of the site would have been challenging and diverted resources from other CCDC priorities. Having carefully considered all available options, the Development Company instead decided to focus its resources on building new, affordable houses at Achagarry (see artist’s drawing above) and has recently submitted an application for planning permission. 

Consequently, Expressions of Interest for the Smokehouse site were invited over the month of September 2023 and these were reviewed by CCDC Directors who assessed the merits of each submission and ultimately accepted an offer from Summer Isles Enterprises.

After working together to protect the access rights to the neighbouring croft for future generations, the sale has now been finalised.

The funds generated from the sale will be used to accelerate the delivery of 10 new affordable homes at Achagarry, a much needed boost as build costs have been rising substantially since the Covid-19 pandemic.

CCDC Chairperson, Richard Williams, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to secure a good deal for the community, raising much needed capital to help with the onward Achagarry development, whilst seeing a positive future for the former Smokehouse site secured.”