Minister visits homes project in Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness

NEW homes in Drumnadrochit got the ministerial seal of approval when Scotland’s minister for local government, housing and planning, MSP Kevin Stewart, visited a community housing development in the village.

Mr Stewart joined Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson for a tour of the Glen Urquhart Community Care development project. Initiated and delivered by the community with Highland Council support, the project is creating a dozen supported homes for the elderly in the village.

Mr Stewart also met tenants now living in family housing at the former medical centre.

He was on the second day of a tour of the Highlands which also saw him visit affordable home developments in Fort William, temporary council accommodation units in Conan Bridge, Dingwall and Alness, and meet council convener Cllr Bill Lobban to discuss future housing development opportunities.

Mr Stewart said it had been great to see some of the innovative affordable housing projects in the region, including some made possible by the Highland Council Evergreen Infrastructure Fund, which the Scottish Government has supported with £13 million of funding.

Cllr Margaret Davidson said: “I am very glad the minister had this opportunity to come to see the huge amount of work we are doing with our housing partners to improve the lives of people by providing much needed high quality affordable homes.

“Our current Strategy Housing Investment Plan sets targets that reflect our increased housing ambition and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government, our housing partners and private developers to make the most of all opportunities so we can maximise the number of new affordable homes.”

“We thank the Scottish Government for making housing a clear priority and hope it continues into the future.”

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