Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) has begun the next phase of its housing development programme with work starting on 34 houses across three sites in Lewis.

The developments comprising 24 houses at Mackenzie Lane, Stornoway, six at Barvas and four at Habost, Ness are being delivered in partnership with Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and the Scottish Government.

Councillor Norman Macleod, HHP’s development spokesperson and chair of the Comhairle’s environmental services committee, said: “I am very pleased to see this latest phase of construction get underway. This continues our ambitious programme which has seen over 350 houses built across our islands since HHP was established in 2006.

“As well as providing housing opportunities for rent and sale through the Governments Shared Equity Scheme this programme secures much needed local jobs and boosts the economy.”

Mackenzie Lane is the latest phase of the ongoing development of Melbost Farm and includes houses for sale through the Shared Equity Scheme. This will see the number of houses provided by HHP in the area rise to 81 by May 2017.

Councillor Charlie Nicolson said: “I very much welcome these new homes and the continuing growth of our local community. I commend the strong partnership working between the Comhairle, HHP and the Scottish Government which is making this happen and which is providing much needed high quality homes in the islands.”

Gordon Murray, HHP board member and local resident, said: “I am delighted with the quality of housing and the community which is growing here. The area provides an excellent environment for young families to grow up in.”

The site at Barvas was provided by the Comhairle and involves the demolition of the old school, the new scheme will be known as Cearnag na Sgoile and is due to be completed in February 2017. The Habost site was also made available by the Comhairle and will be known as Slighe nan Caimbeil in memory of local families who served in the First World War. Completion is planned for June 2016.

Local councillor John Mackay said: “I am very happy to see these new housing developments in the area which provide great opportunities for local people.”

Minister for housing and welfare, Margaret Burgess, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to expanding social housing as it is helping to sustain our rural communities and create a fairer Scotland.

“Our £2.6 million grant has helped to build 34 new homes and increased the number of affordable homes in the area. It has also boosted the local economy and supported the longer term sustainability of these communities.

“The development programme has only been achievable through strong partnership working between the Hebridean Housing Partnership, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and the Scottish Government and we will continue to work together to create further opportunities like these across the Western Isles.”

@HebHousing