New Harris homes in Horgabost
New homes on Harris for Hebridean Housing Partnership.
Minister for Housing and Local Government Kevin Stewart MSP opened a new Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) housing development on Monday 5 December.
The £1 million project – funded by Scottish Government, Hebridean Housing Partnership and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – features six houses, three with two bedrooms and three with three bedrooms. All the houses are fully insulated and use electricity supplied from the West Harris Trust turbine.
Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart said:
“I’m delighted to be here today to visit this new housing development in Horgabost. This is a tremendous example of partnership working delivering the kind of quality affordable homes that people need, along with a new community facility.
“The Scottish Government is committed to delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes across Scotland, backed by over £3 billion investment during the lifetime of this Parliament. We’ve also launched the £25 million Rural Housing Fund and the £5 million Islands Housing Fund. These are intended to increase the supply of good quality affordable housing of all tenures in rural and island communities just like this one.”
Iain Macmillan, HHP’s Chairman, said:
“HHP is delighted to welcome the Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart to the official opening of these six houses at Horgabost, houses which provide homes for local families in a stunning setting.
“The homes have been provided as a result of our successful partnerships with Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the West Harris Trust. This development could not have happened here without this partnership and, particularly, the foresight and initiative of the West Harris Trust.
“The fact that the homes have been built in close proximity to the new community facilities is a demonstration of the ambition of the local community and this is very encouraging for us as we seek to reinvigorate our communities.”
Dena Macleod, HHP’s Chief Executive, said:
“Our contractor, O’Mac Construction, has done an excellent job of completing the six houses in just under seven months, and to a very high standard. We hope our tenants will enjoy their new homes at Pairc Niseaboist.”
Mr Stewart visited the Fraser family who have taken up residence in one of the homes. Sandra Fraser was born and brought up in West Harris and spent time at Aberdeen University before returning home to raise her family with her husband, Billy. Both are employed at the new Distillery in Tarbert, with Sandra currently on maternity leave.
Pictured: Alasdair Allan MSP, Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Housing & Local Government, Billy, Sandra, Rory & Toby Fraser, Mark Macdonald, O'Mac Construction, Norman Macleod, HHP Board Member and Norman Macdonald, Convenor Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar.