Election 2021: In the last part of our series asking candidates how they would tackle depopulation and housing shortages in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross the SNP’s Maree Todd gives us her views

The SNP have promised to build tens of thousands of new homes but is that enough or should more be done besides. We asked Maree Todd what she thinks and how she would tackle the twin issues of housing shortages and depopulation across the constituency.

Stark official numbers show that the constituency will over the next 10 years see its population depleted drastically unless action is taken.

So what is the solution?

She said: "Everyone has the right to a home. Good housing supports our health, our wellbeing, our life chances and our job prospects.

"We want to retain our people and enable them to stay and work in the area they grew up in. Just last week, I spoke with a friend in Helmsdale who was moving to Inverness away from his hometown as he could not afford to buy a house nearby. It is unjust that inflated house prices and a rise in second home ownership are driving people out of their communities.

"There is no quick-fix to tackling depopulation in the Highlands but building more affordable homes and social housing is part of the solution.

"Since 2007, the SNP has delivered 14,110 new homes to the Highlands, including 3574 social and 2500 affordable homes. But, we know we need to go further. Therefore, the SNP has pledged to deliver 100,000 affordable homes in Scotland by 2031/32 and has committed to support housing developments in our rural Highland communities.

"I recently spoke with a woman in Leckmelm who converted her derelict farm building into social housing and accessed 50% of the total cost of the conversion through the SNP government’s Rural Housing Fund.

“Following an anonymous community-led panel decision, the new tenants, a young couple who grew up in the area and their baby, moved in. The fund enabled the creation of a family home for long term rental which will be secured as such for a minimum of 25 years. This is vitally important in an area where there is pressure on local and affordable housing stocks.

"We need more examples of this. If elected to represent Caithness, Sutherland & Ross, I will champion projects like this and fight for my constituents' right to good housing."

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