WILD, BEAUTIFUL… JUST DON'T CALL UIST REMOTE!

They are a collection of idyllic, windswept islands that are among the most secluded in the UK.

But community leaders on Uist are now discouraging the use of the word ‘remote’ in an attempt to attract more people to move there.

The local council has also suggested people refrain from using empty landscapes to show off the islands in all their beauty, in case it puts off potential incomers.

Uist is the collective name for the six islands in the archipelago in the Outer Hebrides – Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay.

Families thinking of moving to Uist are to be offered a trial period on the islands to see if they would like to live there long-term.

The scheme was unveiled in a report presented to the Western Isles Council’s sustainable development committee yesterday .

It aims to tempt families by offering them a house to discover if they and Uist are a good fit. The report states: ‘Classifying Uist as a Repopulation Zone recognises the islands’ acute depopulation challenges and allows actions to attract and retain economically active people.

‘Housing has been consistently identified as the key issue. Therefore work is under way to take forward innovative solutions.

‘This includes the Trial the Isles initiative to allow an economically active family to move to a house for a set period to see if they would like to move to the islands long-term.

'Partners, including the Comhairle [council], agreed to align their messaging to ensure we are all promoting a vibrant place to live and work rather than portraying empty – nevertheless beautiful – landscapes.

‘The use of the word “remote” to describe the islands is also being discouraged as it conjures ideas of the islands as inaccessible, unconnected and empty.’

The committee was asked to note the report and agree to discuss future funding options for tackling housing issues in Uist.

2024-04-23T22:18:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd