Annual Impact Report 2024

CASE STUDY

Bringing a property back to use after seventy years empty

A traditional croft house in Cromore, Isle of Lewis, built in 1914, had been empty since just after World War 2. It was brought back into use by Karis and David in what Murdo MacLeod, EHO in the Western Isles, describes as “a true example of what can be achieved if you have a dream”.

Karis and David initially purchased the croft on which the property sat, and later began discussing the possibility of bringing the home back into use. After having the property surveyed by a structural engineer, who told them it would be safe to work on the existing structure rather than demolishing and starting again, they successfully applied to the Croft House Grant Scheme and were awarded the maximum £38,000. This enabled them to begin the significant renovation project.

2 extensions that were attached to the property were demolished, making room for a more modern version, built to a high standard and with some of the natural stone walls being kept as a decorative feature. Karis wanted to use traditional materials as much as possible, so the outside walls had a lime mortar coating added. This allows the stonework to breath and helps maintain the property for the next generation. Internally the old property was insulated to the highest standard and an eco-heating system and eco-windows were fitted throughout. By restoring the original building and retrofitting it to this environmentally friendly standard, the project’s carbon footprint has been very low in comparison to the alternative option of knocking it down and starting again.

With the support of the EHO, they were able to have their VAT on goods and services zero rated by HMRC after completion, representing a 20% reduction in these costs. Additionally, the EHO has worked to establish a network of local partnerships with a variety of merchants during the project, who themselves offered further discounts, some as high as 25%.

Since this project began, further homes in the surrounding area are now having work done to be bring them back into use, which Murdo feels can be largely attributed to Karis and David’s work. This project exemplifies that with sufficient skills and support, any empty property can be turned back into a home.

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