In total, 624 people completed the Arran Housing Taskforce survey, including 464 from Arran households — equivalent to more than one in five households on the island. The results shed light on the needs of current communities, employers and future generations.

Commissioned by the Arran Housing Taskforce and led by North Ayrshire Council on behalf of its partners, the survey set out to build a comprehensive view of present and future housing requirements. The report confirms the exercise met that goal and provides a robust evidence base to guide housing planning and investment decisions.

A clear message from the findings is that people want to make their lives on Arran. Residents considering a move mostly wish to stay on the island, while many living elsewhere also identified Arran as their preferred destination. Brodick, Lamlash and Whiting Bay were the most frequently named locations across several respondent groups.

Attachment to island life is strong: over three-quarters rated their housing satisfaction above average, with almost a quarter giving their home the highest score. Most respondents have lived on Arran for years, underlining the island’s appeal as a place to put down roots.

While challenges persist — particularly the availability of affordable homes — respondents voiced strong support for practical solutions and a broader mix of housing. Priorities include family houses, smaller properties, flats and accommodation suitable for younger people, workers and older residents.

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Participants highlighted the potential benefits of additional housing in helping retain young people and working-age families, and in enabling employers to recruit and keep staff. The report estimates potential housing need across a range of circumstances and indicates how planned investment, ongoing acquisitions and future supply could help meet demand over the coming years.

The Arran Housing Taskforce will use the evidence to inform future housing discussions and to back efforts to secure investment for the island. The findings will also support community groups and partner organisations seeking to deliver locally tailored housing solutions.

Key recommendations include:

- Greater promotion of the North Ayrshire Housing Register

- Using the report as evidence to support bids for housing funding

- Continuing housing acquisitions and buy-back programmes

- Additional work to bring long-term empty homes back into use

- Support for adaptations to existing homes

- Improved access to welfare, energy and housing advice

- Stronger links between housing and economic development services through the Arran Island Plan

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands, said: "This survey gives us the strongest evidence we have ever had about housing need on Arran and, importantly, it has been shaped directly by the people who live and work on the island. The response has been excellent, with hundreds of residents taking the time to share their experiences and aspirations for the future. What comes through very clearly is that people love living on Arran and want to build their futures there. The findings show a strong desire for housing that meets the needs of local people, supports businesses, helps young people stay on the island and strengthens communities for the future. The report gives the Arran Housing Taskforce and its partners a solid foundation for future planning for housing on the island. We are grateful to everyone who took part and helped create this valuable evidence base, which will support ongoing efforts to deliver the right housing solutions for Arran."