South West Mull and the Isle of Iona are known for their dramatic coastal landscapes, iconic wildlife, and rich heritage of Gaelic language and Celtic art. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to this part of the world every summer, but there is a small, close knit community of about 675 people that lives here all year round.
Living on these islands is both rewarding and challenging. Our area is one of the most deprived in Scotland in terms of access to health and other services, and there is not enough affordable housing or year round employment. Such difficulties have led to many working-age people and families being unable to stay in or move to the area, a demographic change that could threaten the long term survival of our community.
South West Mull and Iona Development (SWMID) is a community-led organisation that was set up to tackle issues like these in order to make our community more resilient and sustainable. Some of our projects are small – providing space for a community gym, and some are much larger – owning and managing a 789-hectare commercial forest to generate local income.
Explore our website to learn how SWMID are helping to make it more possible and practical to live and work on South West Mull and Iona.