Twelve families now have much-needed new homes in Gairloch, thanks to Albyn Housing Society’s development in the site of a former hotel at Achtercairn.
The stunning new development of affordable homes includes eight for rent to applicants from the Highland Housing Register and four for low-cost sale under the LIFT Shared Equity Scheme.
Albyn bought the land from The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust in 2005 and the two organisations worked in close partnership with The Highland Council and the community to agree a development master plan.
Calum Macaulay, Chief Executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: “We are delighted to have completed this latest development. It’s clear that affordable housing is a major priority locally and this key site allows for additional provision in the future. We’re pleased to have delivered our promise to the community, by providing a development of high quality homes which will be a community asset for decades to come. None of this could have happened without the support from the Trust and the Highland Council, not to mention the funding from Scottish Government. The resulting homes are a credit to these efforts.”
Local councillor Richard Greene, interested in the progress of the community consultation, is a keen advocate of new affordable homes in Gairloch. He said: “I am delighted to welcome the completion of phase one of the Housing Development at Achtercairn, Gairloch.
“I wish to thank the HSCHT, Albyn and the Highland Council for their determination to see this part of development through to completion. I also wish to pay tribute to the efforts of the Achtercairn development group, Gairloch Community Council and former councillor Roy Macintyre in progressing the scheme.
“However, while there is delight from those whose allocations have been successful there is a considerable waiting list and on their behalf we must double our efforts to press on with phase two.”
The layout is designed to take account of future development including commercial and community uses and the majority of properties enjoy beautiful views across Loch Gairloch and beyond.
Designed by Colin Armstrong Associates, each property benefits from air source heat pumps for hot water and heating, as well as extensive use of painted timber cladding sourced in the Highlands as part of Albyn’s commitment to high quality, sustainable, low energy design.
The project was supported by a £1.2m Housing Association Grant provided by the Scottish Government as part of their aim to step up the delivery of good-quality, sustainable and affordable housing.
Housing Minister, Alex Neil, said: ““The Scottish Government understands that for many people in the Highlands, finding affordable homes to rent or buy can be a struggle.
“I am delighted that these new homes in Gairloch, backed by over £1 million from this Government, are providing affordable housing of the right type in the right place.”
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The properties for rent, allocated to people on a need to live in the area basis, are all occupied. All properties for sale have purchasers in place and final sales are currently in progress.
