Hope Cohousing—a community interest company—is working to establish a small cohousing project for older people in St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney, as a lasting community benefit. Six new, eco-aware, affordable rental homes will be built for people wanting to live independently and build a supportive community. The project will have shared amenities, a garden….and chickens.
Since early in 2024, HCH has been under the umbrella of the Communities Housing Trust (CHT). Backed by the Scottish Government, the Trust is the leading charitable organisation for facilitating community-led housing in central and northern Scotland. When the homes are built, they will be owned by CHT. The responsibility for day-to-day management will lie with the HCH residents.
Find out more about the project; become a Friend of Hope Cohousing; or join our monthly meet-up.
Contact us if you have questions about HCH.
In the news
Our next monthly meet-up
Our next meet-up will be on February 7, 2026 (venue to be arranged). Monthly meet-ups (open to all) normally take place on the first Saturday of the month. [January 26, 2026]
Major increases in rough sleeping, homelessness, and children in temporary accommodation
New Scottish Government statistics show that between 2021 and 2026, rough sleeping more than doubled, overall homelessness has gone up nearly 20%, and the number of children in temporary accommodation has gone up 26%, the highest level since numbers began (Scottish Housing News). Last year, the Orkney News reported that the number of children in Orkney in temporary accommodation had doubled over the previous two years. Around Orkney has also revealed today that the number of planned homes to be built over the next 10 years (1350) will be 300 short of what will be needed [February 3, 2026].
Bield CEO calls for technology to be central to
independent living
According to Debbie Collins, the chief executive of Bield, digital technology is vital for supporting older tenants to live well and have connected and independent lives. Speaking at a recent conference, she argued that:
At present, Scotland does not have a national strategy for independent living and if we are serious about prevention, sustainability and enabling people to live well for longer, then a national strategy is no longer optional, it is essential. Instead of looking at housing as background infrastructure, it is vital that we prioritise it as the place where independence, health and daily life intersect.
She argues that by incorporating technology into people’s homes that is discreet and fits around the person and the household, we can keep people connected and independent. Scottish Housing News [January 26, 2026].
Exploring South Ronaldsay – Listening Walks
Created by Sheena Graham-George, and based on conversations with local people, the Burwick, Kirkhouse and St Margaret’s Hope Listening Walks are now available on Exploring South Ronaldsay [which started life on these pages]. The result is a fascinating collage of life on the island. [updated January 17, 2026]
December Newsletter
The new edition of the Hope Cohousing Newsletter is now online and has been mailed to those on our list. Please contact us if you wish to be included on our mailing list. [December 17, 2025]
Resources
Featured article: Why cohousing is good for people and communities – the evidence. [Updated January 2024]
Creating a cohousing project: Materials and videos exploring different aspects of putting together a cohousing project.
Look out for: Burray and South Ronaldsay: Local services. [New and updated]. See also the new Exploring South Ronaldsay site, which began life on these pages.
For more about the development of cohousing in Scotland, click on the Cohousing Scotland logo below.
