This high quality development of 33 family homes, located in the popular town of Peebles, provides much needed affordable housing in this pressured housing market.

The £3.9 million development consists of 33 two and three bedroomed houses available for social rent. The demand for these properties was particularly high, with an average of over 90 bids for each property*.

This development was taken forward as part of the Scottish Government's Economic Recovery Programme, designed to stimulate the housing market and sustain construction jobs. Eildon Housing Association was successful in taking forward three projects under this programme - at Broomlands in Kelso, at Balnakiel in Galashiels, and at Kittlegairy in Peebles. The Peebles project was supported by a £2.5m grant from the Scottish Government and small contribution from Scottish Borders Council.

Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Housing and Transport commented:

"The key principle that underpins the Government's Economic Strategy is delivering targeted capital investment to create and protect jobs and stimulate growth. Despite drastic cuts by the UK Government we are investing to help increase the supply of affordable homes, which remains one our top priorities. We are committed to delivering 30,000 affordable homes during this Parliament.

"It is a vital strand of our efforts to build a better and a fairer Scotland, addressing homelessness and affordability issues, and continuing to regenerate our most deprived neighbourhoods.

"Eildon Housing Association is to be congratulated for rising to the challenge of meeting the need for housing and using their creativity and innovation to deliver much needed affordable homes for Scotland."

Cllr Ron Smith, Executive Member for Housing at Scottish Borders Council added:

"I am heartened by this tremendous example of co-operation between Eildon Housing Association, the Scottish Government, Taylor Wimpey and Scottish Borders Council, in seeking to promote the provision of much needed affordable housing in the Borders."

Nile Istephan, Chief Executive of Eildon Housing Association added:

"Demand for affordable housing across the Borders is high and likely to rise in the current economic climate. Eildon is committed to doing what we can to address this housing need. We moved quickly to support the Scottish Government's Economic Recovery Programme, and were able to support three additional new developments across the Borders by using our skills and resources in this way. We are committed to working closely in partnership with the Scottish Government, Scottish Borders Council and other stakeholders in seeking out further opportunities."