Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Border Council’s executive member for business and economic development, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of Eildon Housing Association’s latest development at Roxburgh and Union Street in Kelso.

The new development which recently received a Commendation at the Scottish Home Awards, marks yet another successful phase of Eildon’s development programme which has been moving apace, with a record-breaking investment in new affordable homes for the Borders.

Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon Housing, said: “We are extremely proud of this development and acquired the site from Scottish Borders Council back in October 2016. The site then comprised of two small car parks, one off Roxburgh Street, the second off Union Street and the remainder of the land was a vacant plot off Bowmont Street.

“This attractive scheme, which has been built to Silver Standards and Housing for Varying Needs Part 1, comprises a total of 18 flats, one in a block of 6 flats at Union Street and a further 12 flats at Roxburgh Street. Thirteen of the flats are 2-bed and five provide 1-bed accommodation. The total cost of the scheme was £2,364,557 including a grant of £1,169,091 provided by the Scottish Government.

“By working in partnership with Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council, Eildon Housing Association is continuing to provide much-needed, high quality new homes for the Borders as this new development testifies.”

Councillor Mark Rowley said: “I am delighted that Eildon Housing has developed these high quality homes for rent on what was a long-standing gap site in Kelso conservation area.

“These contribute to the very ambitious targets we have for the delivery of affordable homes right across the Scottish Borders and we continue to work very hard with our registered social landlord partners, the Scottish Government and others to ensure that the housing needs of local people are met.

“The construction of new affordable homes in the Scottish Borders helps to sustain and create jobs in the building industry and also enables local people to stay in the area, which benefits the local economy.”