Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the opening of the new Mackenzie Lane housing development near Stornoway as “an example of the SNP in Government delivering for the Western Isles.”

Mackenzie Lane is the third stage of the Mackenzie Park housing complex on Melbost Farm, and comprises 24 new homes. This brings the total number of completed houses at Mackenzie Park to 81, of which 51 are for affordable rent. 

The final phase is underway and is expected to be complete by September 2019. When the development is complete there will be a total of 131 homes and Scottish Government grant funding totalling £9.4 million.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“The opening of Mackenzie Lane represents real progress in tackling local housing needs.

“Here in the Western Isles we face problems with a lack of affordable housing, ageing stock and houses poorly equipped to retain heat. Increasing the supply of affordable homes is a key SNP commitment and plays a vital role in helping to tackle poverty and inequality in the Isles.

“I am delighted with the progress that has been made at MacKenzie Park and that the latest phase has been completed. This represents a significant increase in the housing stock for Stornoway – the area where demand for affordable housing is highest. 

“This follows last month’s announcement that the Western Isles will receive £25 million worth of investment for affordable housing over the next three years – easily the highest per capita funding for any council area in Scotland – which will help contribute to the Scottish Government’s national target of 50,000 new affordable homes by 2021."