The project sees the completion of 32 much needed homes in Scalloway and will go some way to meeting the continued high demand for housing in the area.

Hjaltland’s head of investment Paul Leask said: “This project started back when the Covid restrictions were still in place and there was a lot of uncertainty around the supply chain and workforce, so to see it finished and handed over feels like a real achievement for everyone involved.

“E&H Building Contractors have delivered yet another superb scheme to the highest standard and I have to pay a special tribute to their director Bobby Elphinstone who unfortunately passed away earlier this year.

“Bobby was a driving force within the Shetland community for innovation and quality of house building and the association was very fortunate to have worked with him on the delivery of approximately 300 new homes over the last 22 years. His knowledge and influence on the standards we have now come to expect leaves a lasting legacy for us all.”

The Association operates a nomination agreement with the Shetland Islands Council where 50% of the scheme was let to applicants on the SIC waiting list.

Ian Bray, head of housing with the Association, said: “We had over 200 applicants for just 13 properties, and with 678 households remaining on the waiting list for affordable housing, demand remains stubbornly high. With recent interest rate rises impacting on the affordability of the housing market it is not a surprise we are seeing high levels of demand. We have been working extremely hard to address the need but understand there is still work to do and have schemes in Aith, Brae, Walls and Scalloway that are progressing along with our Staneyhill project.”

Bryan Leask, chief executive with the association, added: “It’s great to see the first 32 properties being occupied and families moving in. The next phase is already underway and will see another eight properties handed over at the end of this year, four of which are for low-cost home ownership.”

Hjaltland received roughly £5m in grant funding from the Scottish Government over both phases and utilised £2m in private finance from the Bank of Scotland.

Bryan said: “This level of investment in Shetland from both a financial and social aspect does make a significant difference to our communities and is helping us meet the high demand for affordable housing in the islands.”

The visit also coincided with an announcement that Hjaltland will receive £20 million to boost the affordable housing supply in the region.