Funded by the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund, the project will look at how housing influences people’s decisions to stay, leave, or relocate to the area.

The Housing and Depopulation Research brief was defined based on the outcomes of stakeholder consultation and subsequent action planning arising from the Argyll and Bute Housing Emergency Summit in November 2023.  

The research will focus on two key areas:

1. Workforce housing: What types and numbers of affordable, suitable homes are needed to support Argyll and Bute’s current and future workforce?
2. Younger and working-age households: What are the experiences of people aged 16–44 living in Argyll and Bute? For those who have left, what influenced that decision—and could better housing options encourage them to return?

The council is keen to hear from people aged 16–44 currently living in Argyll and Bute or considering a move to the area, those who’ve left the region in the past 10 years and might be open to returning, and anyone with a friend or family member who fits this description and is willing to share their story.

The council’s policy lead for housing, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “This is a chance for people to help shape real solutions. We want to hear directly from those affected by housing challenges so we can better support local communities and make Argyll and Bute a place where more people can stay, live, and thrive. If you know someone who might want to take part, please share this opportunity. Together, we can help build a stronger, more sustainable future for Argyll and Bute.”

The survey findings will feed into the council’s Housing Need and Demand Assessment and provide evidence for further partner engagement to consider alternative models of housing and address the identified needs of employers/workforce.

The younger people survey is now live and can be accessed on the Research Resource website. The workforce housing survey will launch in late October/November. Both surveys will run for six weeks, and all responses will be confidential and used solely for research purposes.