Skye and Lochalsh set for £25m homes boost

LOCHALSH and Skye Housing Association has agreed an ‘unprecedented’ housing investment in the area as part of a £25 million programme of development.

The management committee approved the association’s new five-year business plan, which will result in more than 200 new houses being built by the association across the area by 2023.

Forty-four of the properties are already under construction or being purchased, and a further 70 houses and flats to start on site during 2018. The anticipated cost of the programme is in the region of £25 million.

Announcing the new development programme, the association’s chief executive, Lachie MacDonald, said: ‘This is a massive and unprecedented investment in Skye and Lochalsh and, in addition to being excellent news for jobs in the construction industry, it demonstrates our commitment to meeting the housing needs of individuals and families in the area as quickly as possible.

‘We believe that the best approach to dealing with housing need pressures is to increase the supply of housing and our development programme will certainly achieve that aim.’

The association’s business plan also includes a commitment to partnership working with NHS Highland and other organisations working in the care sector to meet specific housing needs.

Mr MacDonald added: ‘We very much welcome the tremendous support and backing we are receiving from the Scottish Government, Highland Council and our lenders which we believe will allow us to achieve our ambition of eliminating homelessness in Skye and Lochalsh. We will be providing new affordable rented homes for those in priority need including those affected by overcrowding, damp, temporary and poorly repaired properties.’