SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed today’s announcement that HHP’s 12-unit housing project in Leverburgh will go ahead, with work expected to commence this summer.

The local community has been consistently pushing for social housing to be built in the area. Despite a significant cost per unit, initially resulting in a large funding gap, efforts from the Scottish Government, the Comhairle, HHP, the preferred contractor, the landowner and the local community council have ensured that 12 new homes for rent will be built in Leverburgh.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan MSP said:

“I am delighted that the unwavering work of the local community to make the case for this development has been rewarded – having these extra homes will make an enormous business to the area. Harris is one of the areas in the Western Isles where housing is most in demand, yet Leverburgh has not, until now, benefited from any social housing locally.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government recognised the importance of this project and agreed to provide the highest possible grant, despite the national budget being under such pressure at present. I hope that the remaining SHIP funding, provided by the Scottish Government, will be able to be fully utilised across the Western Isles, in rural as well as more populated areas, to help address the housing shortage.

“It is very encouraging to see local stakeholders working together to bring this project to fruition, and I look forward to seeing work commence on these vital new homes in the months ahead.”