Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) has appointed a contractor to carry out £1.5 million worth of roof and roughcast improvements to its properties on Islay.

Helensburgh-based Stewart & Shields successfully tendered for the contract to upgrade 53 ACHA properties mainly with external wall insulation, although some will receive an upgraded roof as well.

Commenting as the work commenced, Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s chief executive, said: “I am delighted that ACHA has been able to award this contract to Stewart & Shields, a local company who have carried out upgrade work for us previously. These measures will allow the properties to meet the new Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH), and will give great benefit to our tenants.”

Properties identified to receive this work are located in areas throughout the island including Ballygrant, Bridgend, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Port Charlotte and Port Ellen.