The Pairc Trust Appoints Contractor as Tigh Ceilidh Renovation Moves Ahead

The Pairc Trust working in partnership with Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) is delighted to announce that full funding has now been secured for the Tigh Ceilidh Renovation and Extension Project in Gravir, a housing project that will bring a long‑vacant property back into use as a high‑quality, energy‑efficient family home offered at social rent levels. This marks a significant milestone in the Trust’s ongoing work to address the shortage of affordable housing in the Pairc area and to support the long‑term sustainability of the community.

The property, purchased by The Pairc Trust from Pairc Community Council in 2023, will be transformed into a 3‑bedroom, 6‑person family home, with a downstairs bedroom, bathroom, living space and kitchen area, and two further bedrooms upstairs. The renovation will prioritise energy efficiency, including the installation of an air source heat pump and improved insulation, helping to reduce fuel poverty and ensure long‑term affordability for the future tenant.

Tigh Ceilidh, Gravir

The Trust is pleased to confirm that Alex Murray Construction (AMC) has been formally appointed as the project contractor following a competitive tender process. Construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with completion expected in October 2026. This milestone marks the beginning of the construction phase of a project that will help address long‑standing housing challenges in the Pairc area, support population retention, and strengthen the sustainability of local services including Sgoil na Pairc, Gravir surgery, and other community facilities.

This development builds on the Trust’s successful renovation of the former Gravir Care Unit in 2019, which created two affordable homes. The Tigh Ceilidh project represents the next step in expanding the Trust’s community‑owned housing portfolio and strengthening the resilience of the Pairc Estate.

The Pairc Trust extends its sincere thanks to all funders who have recognised the importance of this project for the future of Pairc. The Tigh Ceilidh development has been funded by:

·         Rural and Islands Housing Fund

·         Highlands and Islands Enterprise

·         Muaitheabhal Community Trust

·         Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

·         Community Led Local Development

·         Western Isles Development Trust

The Trust has also contributed over £17,000 of its own unrestricted funds towards the purchase, feasibility work, and legal costs associated with the project, demonstrating its commitment to the long‑term future of the community.

Floor plans for the Tigh Ceilidh

Emma Mackenzie, Estate Manager of The Pairc Trust, said:

“We are delighted to have secured the full funding for the Tigh Ceilidh project. This is a major achievement for the Pairc community and a significant step forward in addressing the long‑standing housing challenges in Pairc. We are also delighted to have kept our word in delivering a much‑needed 3-bedroom family home for the community, a commitment that has taken time, perseverance, and careful redesign to ensure we got it right. This development will provide a warm, energy‑efficient and genuinely affordable home for a local family, helping to stabilise our population and support essential services such as Sgoil na Pairc.

The project continues the momentum from the Gravir Care Unit renovations in 2019 and reflects our commitment to revitalising local infrastructure, supporting families to remain in the area, and ensuring that Pairc continues to thrive for generations to come. We are extremely grateful to all our funders for their support and belief in this project and look forward to working with AMC as the renovations progress.”