New Homes @
The Mac
A unique opportunity to create new, community-led homes at The MacLeod Centre on Iona.
Why It Matters
Iona faces a critical shortage of secure, affordable homes. New Homes @ The Mac Project is a unique opportunity to create long‑term housing that supports families, key workers and the future of the island. This feasibility phase is where the foundations are laid, but nothing is decided yet.
Where are we now?
Design & Feasibility
A significant step forward!During 2026, the project team completed an extensive programme of design development, technical investigation and community engagement.Two options have been explored:Conversion of the existing Macleod Centre
and
A new-build housing development on the siteBoth options provide eight homes.The Stage 2 design team has now submitted their recommendations, based on the community feedback, energy performance, flexibility of design, suitability for Iona and construction elements. The client group is now considering the recommendation and has not yet taken a formal decision on the way forward.What the project aims to deliver8 affordable homes
For long-term rent1–3 bedroom homes
A varied mix designed around different household needsAccessible and adaptable homes
Designed to support changing needs over timeEnergy-efficient homes
Designed to be comfortable and affordable to runA new community at the Mac
With gardens, shared green space and opportunities for storage, allotments and other community uses.
Community Voices
Residents of the existing social housing and those seeking secure housing have provided clear, consistent messages: the need for adaptable layouts, good storage, porches, well‑insulated homes, accessible options, and a sense of a small, supportive settlement. These themes are now embedded in the design brief.
STRONG PARTNERSHIP WORKING
Engagement and dialogue with key statutory and landowning stakeholders, including Argyll & Bute Council, NTS and Historic Environment Scotland is underway, identifying and informing key issues for the site.
Steering Group Momentum
The Steering Group continues to meet fortnightly.
FUNDING POSITION
Feasibility funding of £100,000 from Argyll & Bute Council and £20,000 from Scottish Government Rural & Island Housing Fund is underpinning the work, supported by contributions from Quakers Housing Trust, The Waterfall Fund, IHP and ICC.
First item
Second item
Third item
Two ways of creating
8 homes
The project team explored two approaches:Option 1 — ConversionThe distinctive north wing of the Macleod Centre could be retained and converted into homes, with the southern wing removed.The conversion option explored retaining elements of the existing building, reusing materials and preserving aspects of the character of the Mac.Option 2 — New-buildThe new-build proposal creates eight individual homes arranged as a series of smaller steading-type buildings.The design provides a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, with greater flexibility in layout, stronger opportunities for natural light and a design developed specifically around the needs of life on Iona.
Want to see the original workshop material?
Your Support Can Help
This feasibility phase includes essential costs; design work, surveys, legal work, and specialist assessments to ensure we fully assess the deliverabilityWe urgently need to secure the last £10k to complete the planning preparation that will allow us to progress the next stage.Every donation, large or small, brings us closer where:
• Families can stay
• Young people can return
• Workers can live where they work
• The school can thrive
• Iona remains a living island, not just a place to visit
Want to support the project?We’re currently setting up an easy online donation option. In the meantime, if you would like to make a contribution, you can donate by bank transfer to the Iona Housing Partnership.Account name: Iona Housing Partnership
Sort code: 80-48-22
Account number: 10004969
Reference: MacAn online donation option will be available soon. Thank you for helping us take the next steps.
If you know of funding opportunities, grants, or partnerships that could support this phase, your knowledge of connections could make a meaningful difference.
Please help us make this happen
About Us
The MacLeod Centre Steering Group emerged from a shared recognition across Iona’s community organisations that the island faces a pressing need for sustainable, affordable housing. In response, a Steering Group was formed, bringing together:
Iona Community CouncilIona Housing PartnershipIona Village Hall Community TrustMull & Iona Community Trust (MICT)
When current owners, The Iona Community, made the difficult decision to dispose of the Macleod Centre - as far as possible, with benefit to the island community - it became clear that this was an opportunity that needed careful, collective consideration.This group works in partnership ensuring that decisions are rooted in both local needs and wider community stewardship.Together, these bodies are guiding the project through its feasibility phase, with a strong emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and long-term sustainability for Iona.
Thank You!
on behalf of
Iona Housing Partnership
Iona Community Council
Iona Village Hall Community Trust
all images courtesy of WT Architecture
