Janet McAlister, Fyne Homes technical services director, welcomed all the guests to the official opening on Friday and introduced Depute Lieutenant Stewart Shaw and Argyll and Bute Provost Douglas Philand to take the proceedings forward.

The depute lieutenant gave an overview of the background to the properties which were originally constructed in 1929 by Mr James John Wilkie, an engineer who lived in Victoria Street, Rothesay before moving to Liverpool and eventually becoming a Marine Superintendent.

He established a trust fund of £20,000 to build the houses for widows and spinsters native of Rothesay to live rent free. Latterly the properties have been traditionally let to amenity aged tenants.

Changing times and stock condition requirements led the Wilkie Trust and Fyne Homes Management Committee to agree to transfer the housing stock to the ownership of the social landlord, where appropriate funding could be sought for upgrades and repairs.

Provost Douglas Phil and resplendent in the chain of the Royal Burgh of Rothesay then went on to give an overview of the significant refurbishment works that have been carried out at the 8 x 2-person 1 bedroom amenity flats since the transfer to Fyne Homes on 2nd April, 2024.

The propertied have benefited from full roof replacements, kitchen and bathroom installations, rewiring, and gas central heating all carried out by local contractor George Hanson (Building Contractors) Ltd.

Funding of the £742,000 project was made up from Scottish Government £446,000, Strategic Housing Fund £96,000 and Fyne Homes £200,00 and demonstrates significant value for money.

Following the official opening guests were invited to view two of the newly refurbished properties before retiring to Fyne Homes boardroom for light refreshments.