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Caithness business community remains optimistic in the face of depopulation





Sobering statistics shared by Highland Council show, not only that school rolls will steadily decline, but that fewer houses are being built in Caithness.

The stats were revealed in the ‘Housing Land Audit’ (HLA) shared in a press release on May 7 by the council with the intention of highlighting “future development opportunities” in the region but show that Caithness appears to be facing a depopulation crisis.

It shows massive reductions in house builds since the financial crisis of 2008 and pupil numbers falling by 2038 with Wick High School operating at under 76 per cent capacity and Thurso High School even lower at just 54 per cent.

House completions graph showing that new builds in Caithness have massively reduced from a high in 2007.
House completions graph showing that new builds in Caithness have massively reduced from a high in 2007.

The HLA report contains figures for “house completions per year by housing market area” and showed that the number of houses being built in Caithness has been steadily falling after reaching a high in 2007 just before the financial crash of the following year. There were 165 houses built in 2007 but just 30 last year.

The Caithness business community is rising to the challenges ahead and remaining optimistic despite one local campaigner referencing a “21st-century Caithness Clearance” in a recent report.

Concerning the housing market, Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce said: “Although the figures presented may appear concerning, it’s important to note that they are based on estimates for how long it will take to construct new residential developments.

Trudy Morris from Caithness Chamber of Commerce remains optimistic in the face of depopulation. Picture: DGS
Trudy Morris from Caithness Chamber of Commerce remains optimistic in the face of depopulation. Picture: DGS

“These estimates are determined through the annual Housing Land Audit, which requests and receives contributions from developers via Homes for Scotland, housing associations, trusts, and landowners.

“However, for Caithness, where the number of self-builds is generally higher than those in other areas, the accuracy of these estimates is uncertain.

“Furthermore, the estimates do not take into account the large-scale renewable developments planned for the area, the extension to Dounreay’s decommissioning programme or the initiatives aimed at attracting skilled workers and residents to the region.

Trudy Morris talked about future opportunities from the extension to Dounreay’s decommissioning programme. Picture: DGS
Trudy Morris talked about future opportunities from the extension to Dounreay’s decommissioning programme. Picture: DGS

“It’s therefore important to take these factors into consideration and not to rely too heavily on these figures, as they are calculated using just one methodological approach.”

Harking back to the press release sent out by Highland Council, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, housing and property chair, said: “It is important as a local authority that we stay informed on school population and housing figures.

“Understanding data is a big part of our ability to think and act strategically and it is crucial in helping us to prioritise capital investment decisions.

“The publication of these reports also helps us to look forward and plan effectively for potential new builds or expansions where needed.”


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