MOVING TO GIGHA

 

 

The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust receives many enquiries from people interested in moving to Gigha. We would strongly recommend that you visit Gigha and spend some time getting to know the island and its people. If you still like what you see and can see yourself living among our community then get in touch with us.

In line with the Trust's development plan we hope to increase the population on the island and by doing so contribute to the regeneration of the island. Some of the main skills that we are hoping to attract to Gigha are detailed below.

•  Established businesses considering relocation and new businesses, relevant to the Gigha Development Plan, particularly those which may provide direct employment opportunities: Gigha Beer, Smokehouse, Small Scale Creamery. Emphasis on quality, premium / niche market, added value products, examples already present Smashing Glass, International Flower Essence Repertoire

•  Good Quality, Time Served Construction Industry Tradespeople; plumber, joiners, electricians, general builders / bricklayers, ditchers and dykers etc.

•  Registered child minder.

•  Renewable Energy Professionals

•  Other professionals with skills which could be relevant to island needs.

•  Professional writers, musicians, poets, sculptors and artists with proven track records particularly where the artform has Celtic roots or inspirations.

 

RELOCATING A BUSINESS/STARTING UP A NEW BUSINESS

The Trust is very keen to encourage new business to the island. Since the community buy-out we have seen the establishment of several small businesses including the Boathouse Café Bar, New Dimensions alternative therapy, Gigha Fudge Company. Two other businesses, a smokehouse and a stained glass/jewellery making business are in the process of relocating.

It is recommended written proposal is submitted for the consideration of the Board of Directors. Subject to the board's consideration, the next step after this would be a meeting with the board, potentially followed by a presentation to members. This procedure is the Trust's standard practice and has been considered a valuable approach for new and relocating businesses that have already decided to relocate here. Further advice and support for new and relocating businesses can also be provided by Argyll and Islands Enterprise (AIE), the local enterprise company, on 01546 602281.

HOUSING

A housing needs survey carried out in 2002 showed that there was a need for additional housing on the island. The Heritage Trust has 41 rented properties, which are mainly rented out to long-term island residents and the availability of the houses is extremely limited. In addition to Trust managed housing, Fyne Homes Housing Association are building 18 new houses for rent. The first eight will be available from December 2005 with the second phase being completed in July/August 2006. Again a local letting policy will apply, with priority being given to those with a Gigha connection or moving to Gigha to take up employment. Further information can be obtained from Lorna Andrew or visit www.homehunt.info/gigha.shtml . which explains the process by which the Trust housing stock is managed and the process for applying for Trust housing. Fyne Homes will be directly managing the allocation of their houses and applications forms can be obtained from Fyne Homes, 3 Harvey's Lane, Burnside Square, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6GE

In addition to rented accommodation, a number of plots of land available for sale for private build to those who meet the above criteria and wish to move to Gigha to live and work. To be eligible to purchase a plot you must have a confirmed offer of permanent employment on the island, relocating an existing business or setting up a new business on the island.

SCHOOLING

A frequently asked question when people are thinking of moving to Gigha is schooling.  Pre-5 and Primary schoolchildren are well catered for on the island with the superb Gigha Primary School, and then its off to Campbeltown Grammer School.  Pupils can travel daily on the early ferry and return at night, so no overnight stays in Campbeltown as used to be the case.  To read a personal account of what its like leaving Gigha Primary and going to "Big School", read Bethany Towns account here.