A new post has been established with the aim of tackling the issue of Uist’s declining population.

Kareen MacRury has taken on the role of Settlement Officer for the island as part of a 12-month pilot project funded by HIE and CnES. Kareen will not only be working to attract new residents to Uist, but to encourage those Uibhisteachs who have moved away to return home, and to support those already living here to stay.
Kareen was born and raised in Knockquien, Carinish, North Uist and now lives with her young family in Benbecula. Prior to taking up her new position she worked for HIE, having joined the organisation 11 years ago as one of their first Modern Apprentices.
A key role for the Settlement Officer will be to support people in navigating the logistics of living and working in Uist, linking up with the work being done by partner agencies and other organisations from across the region.
Demand for the new service is high, as Kareen explained: “We’ve had a good number of enquiries from a very broad range of people – some with strong Uist connections, others who are new to the place. We believe Uist offers an exceptional quality of life and that’s reflected in the common theme I hear from everyone, which is the drive to live and work in our safe and welcoming communities and our beautiful environment.”
Kareen continued: “Undoubtedly, the biggest hurdle people face is finding suitable accommodation, and that applies very much to those who are already staying here, as well as to those who are looking to make the move. Whether you are moving to the islands for the first time, returning home or looking for help to settle long term, we are here to support you. Likewise, if you are considering leaving the islands, please get in touch so we can better understand the issues affecting you, and find out what support we can offer.”
The Settlement Officer has come about through the work of the Uist Population Project, which was established in 2020 with the aim of addressing the ongoing issue of depopulation.
Figures taken from the Comhairle’s Spring 2022 Socio Economic Bulletin clearly show the decline: over the decade from 2010 to 2020 there was a population decrease of 1,100 people (-4.0%). The trend also shows an increasingly ageing population, with more than 26% aged 65 and over, in comparison to the Scottish average of 19%. Just ten years previously, in 2010, the percentage of Western Isles residents aged 65 and over was 21%, and in the year 2000, it was 19%.
The same report also highlights that we have the highest percentage of vacant dwellings at 8.1% against a national average of 3.4%, and the second highest percentage of second homes at 5.3%, against a national average of 0.9%.
The appointment of a Settlement Officer marks a positive move to help address that decline, and Kareen remains optimistic: “It’s been great to be of practical help. The support we have given has already enabled one young family to make the move this summer and I hope there will be more.”