The minister discussed Link’s approach to funding the project meeting Link’s chief executive Jon Turner, group financial director Nick Pollard and Colin Culross, group commercial director and managing director of C~urb, Link’s property-focused commercial arm, as well as managing director of McTaggart Construction, Janice Russell.

The all-tenure project which included a blend of social rent, mid-market rent New Supply Shared Equity was delivered in partnership with McTaggart Construction Ltd, which also developed homes for outright sale.

Mr McLennan learnt about how Link has recently secured a £70 million funding package with Bank of Scotland linked to Sustainability Loan terms and a groundbreaking £80m worth of funding from Scottish Widows in 2021/22, which, at the time, saw Link become the first Scottish social housing provider to access an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) linked loan on this scale.

Nick Pollard, Link group financial director, said: “Link has been working to find alternative and sustainable funding sources for several years so we can continue to develop thriving and sustainable communities.

“I was delighted to share with the minister for housing, Paul McLennan, the steps we have taken to secure additional income in a time of economic uncertainty. I’m hugely heartened he is interested in our work and will share our best practices with colleagues in the Scottish Government.”

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Paul McLennan, minister for housing, said: “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. Link Group play a valuable role in increasing the range of affordable housing available throughout Scotland, and I was delighted to visit this development, which the Scottish Government has supported with over £60m. This funding has supported Link to provide 302 high quality, energy efficient affordable homes in Dalmarnock and a further 81 homes were provided by McTaggart Construction.

“High quality housing is a key pillar of Housing to 2040, whilst also eradicating fuel poverty and homelessness and ensuring everyone has access to green space and essential services. McTaggart Construction play a key role in building high-quality homes and I welcome these new affordable houses in Dalmarnock.”

Colin Culross, Link group commercial director and managing director of C~urb, said: “It was a privilege to welcome the minister to Riverside Dalmarnock, which was funded in partnership with Link, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council. This is a great example of a development providing a range of sustainable housing options that meets both the current and future needs of this vibrant community.

“These homes are a great example of urban regeneration, backed by five prestigious housing industry awards, demonstrating quality design and partnership working at its very best.”

Janice Russell, managing director of McTaggart Construction, said: “Providing quality affordable homes will make a real difference to Dalmarnock for generations to come and we are delighted to be supporting the regeneration of the community. Our partnership with Link and the Scottish Government to sell and build these fantastic properties as part of the first project backed by ESG funding is both exciting and a blueprint for a sustainable future in delivering vital affordable housing.”

Riverside Dalmarnock will deliver 562 homes for social and mid-market rent, alongside affordable home ownership to the Scottish Government’s shared equity scheme, which C~urb and properties manage for outright sale by McTaggart Construction Ltd.