Four properties have been delivered at Leana Ruadh, Timsgarry and one at Eireastadh following the conversion of the care unit. All homes have three bedrooms providing opportunities for young families and helping to sustain the local community and school roll.

The developer-led project saw Calmax Construction bring forward the proposal and build the new homes. These are the first houses completed since the introduction of new standards requiring sprinkler systems in each home.

Ruth, one of the tenants, said: “We are very happy with our new home, thank you to all involved, I am delighted that I am able to move back into the area I grew up in.”

A spokesperson for HHP said: “These homes demonstrate our continued commitment to try and protect our communities and to provide opportunities for families to remain in, or to move into, our most rural areas. We are grateful to the Scottish Government for their financial support and assistance with the project.”

Minister for housing, Paul McLennan, said: “These homes will provide huge benefit to the local community, bringing or retaining families to the area and helping sustain this part of Uig, in the Western Isles. Supported by significant funding from the Scottish Government, this is a clear example of delivering affordable homes in our islands.

“These homes add to our commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent and 10% in remote, rural and island communities.”

A spokesperson for the Comhairle added: “It is very pleasing to see another new HHP development being handed over in a rural area. These 5 new homes will have a very positive impact on the Uig community, particularly towards population growth. We commend HHP and the contractor for a very fine project and are pleased that the Comhairle was able to support this development as part of the Affordable Housing Programme.”