Highland Council celebrates Scottish Housing Day 2019 with public event in Inverness

The Highland Council, in partnership with the Highland Housing Register partners, is preparing to stage a Highland Housing Extravaganza to celebrate Scottish Housing Day on Wednesday (18 September 2019).

The event, which is a drop in, is being held at the Spectrum Centre in Inverness between 1pm and 6pm.

Scottish Housing Day is celebrated each year and is accompanied each time with a different theme. Last year’s theme was ‘year of the young person’ and the focus of this year’s theme is ‘housing as a human right’.

The event is open to all, but specific invitations will be sent to targeted groups such as young people, veterans, people with disabilities or long-term illnesses, older people and ethnic minority groups. There will also be a focus on changing the public perception of homelessness and the introduction of the Housing First approach which mirrors the principle that housing is a basic human right.

As well as Highland Council housing, the event will feature representatives from all the major housing association, including Highland Residential, Albyn Housing, Cairn, The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust, Lochaber Housing Association, Lochaber Care & Repair and Highland Housing Alliance.

The Highland Housing Extravaganza will feature all affordable housing providers - mid market rent; LIFT; rent to buy; help to buy and the PRT sector.

Chair of the Highland Council Care, Learning and Housing Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “One of the Highland Council Key priorities is – we will provide homes across the Highlands that are responsive to local needs including affordable homes for younger generations and families; housing in areas where attracting professionals is a challenge; and homes where the elderly and vulnerable can be supported to live independently.

He added: “Housing is one of life’s basic needs. Everyone should have a good quality home that they can afford to live in and heat.  Good quality, affordable housing helps people to enjoy better health and achieve their full potential. Good housing also contributes to stronger communities that benefit everyone living in them.”

Also joining Highland Council at this year’s event is Chloe Trew from the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

She commented: “With this year’s Scottish Housing Day focusing on housing as a human right, the Commission is very pleased to be able to share its knowledge of what taking a human rights-based approach to housing means in practice at the Highland Housing Extravaganza.”

Tea, coffee and tray bakes will be available and there will also be activities for children.