Rural Stirling Housing Association (RSHA) has celebrated the completion of 14 new affordable homes for rent in Strathblane – the first ones built in the village for over 40 years.

Scottish Government minister for local government and housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, formally opened the new development at Campsie Road and Braidgate.

He said: “Rural Stirling Housing Association’s provision of much-needed affordable homes for rent is very welcome news for the community of Strathblane.

“Making sure everyone in Scotland has access to good quality housing is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s drive to boost economic growth and tackle inequalities in our communities.

“The work of housing associations like RSHA will help us meet our ambitions of delivering 50,000 more affordable homes across Scotland over the next five years, which is backed by an investment of more than £3 billion.”

Margaret Vass, RSHA chairperson, welcomed the minister and commended the recent increase in grant funding that will enable the Association to continue to be able to develop new homes.

She stressed the importance of the planning requirement that 50 per cent of the homes on the site had to be affordable. Also the Local Lettings Initiative operated by RSHA through which priority for the first lets was given to people in housing need who live in or have a need to move to Strathblane.

Alan Hutton, vice chair of Strathblane Community Council, welcomed the new homes which he said were badly needed and would make a crucial contribution to meeting some of the housing needs in the village.

He praised the joint working between the housing association, the Community Council, Stirling Council and developer CALA Homes which had resulted in a “high quality end product”.

Baillie Violet Weir, Stirling Council housing portfolio holder, commented on the excellent partnership working between the Association and the council aimed at ensuring that the maximum number of affordable homes could be built, in priority locations, throughout the Stirling Council area.

The development comprises two bungalows, eight cottage flats and four houses and were constructed by CALA Homes to the Association’s specification. All the homes have been designed to be highly energy efficient and meet the Scottish Government’s Housing for Varying Needs standard for lifetime homes.