The Scottish Government’s rural affordable homes for key workers fund, announced in 2023, was designed to combat housing shortages for essential workers.
However, a response to a parliamentary question from the Scottish Conservatives revealed that only 17 homes have been approved nationwide in the five-year project so far.
The homes are meant to be acquired by councils and social landlords to aid workers in key areas such as the emergency services.
According to housing minister Paul McLennan, North Ayrshire has just one approved home.
The other 16 are spread across the Highland Council area, Orkney, and Moray.
The housing minister did note that the scheme is “demand-led”, and officials are in discussion over more homes.
Tim Eagle, Scottish Tory rural affairs spokesman, said: “The SNP are continuing to scandalously neglect the housing needs of rural Scotland.
“They announced this scheme to much fanfare but progress on delivering homes has been painfully slow.
“For only 17 homes to be identified through a scheme worth £25 million beggars belief.
“Failing to deliver the homes rural Scotland needs is also deeply damaging for the local economy.”
In response, Mr McLennan said: “We recognise that good quality, affordable housing is essential to help attract and retain people in rural and island communities and the 2025-26 draft budget allocation of £768 million for affordable housing will help support the delivery of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.
“At least 10 per cent of these will be in rural and island areas backed by our Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan.
“Demand-led funds such as the rural and islands housing fund and rural affordable homes for key workers fund are also a key part of our approach to addressing specific rural and island housing issues.”