Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) has completed 20 new homes at Sealladh na Mara, Bowmore on Islay.

Comprising 10 one bed and 10 two bed homes, the project’s total funding amounted to £3,084,922 with contributions from the Scottish Government, ACHA, Argyll and Bute Council and Scottish Water.

The development was built by MacLeod Construction Limited of Lochgilphead. During the construction phase of over a year, 35 workmen were employed on the site including five apprentices.

The development is the first part of Project Shoreline involving ACHA, the Scottish Government, Argyll and Bute Council and Islay Estates. Its ultimate objective is to provide 200 new homes for Bowmore.

The Association has a waiting list of 144 for a home to rent on Islay.

Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s chief executive, said: “This is a proud day for ACHA. We have built 20 new homes on Islay. The island is a growing success story for Argyll with a vibrant tourism, agriculture and whisky sector. However we need homes to support this developing economy and this development will deliver that.”

The official opening was carried out by Margaret Burgess MSP, housing minister, and Councillor Robin Currie, housing convenor of Argyll and Bute Council.

Mrs Burgess said: “Housing is at the heart of this Government’s ambition to create a fairer and more prosperous country, and so I am pleased to have the opportunity to see these new homes first hand, and meet the tenants who will benefit from them.

“The Scottish Government has invested £1.360m in this development, which underlines our commitment to both high quality housing and investing in rural areas.”

Councillor Robin Currie added: “It is great to be honoured with co-opening the 20 houses at Bowmore, Islay as I have been involved through all the stages of this project, at the planning committee and the Council then awarding grant to build the houses. The houses are ideally situated in Bowmore, next to all the main facilities and both the Primary and High School. I’m sure the new tenants will be over the moon with their new homes and I wish them all the best for the future.”