Princess opens island's new homes

The princess opened the island's first social housing in decades

Princess Anne has unveiled the first new social housing development to be built on Gigha for five decades.

Residents made history five years ago by buying the 3,400 acre island, three miles west of the Kintyre peninsula.

Argyll and Bute-based housing association Fyne Homes, backed by Communities Scotland, recently completed 10 new homes for rent.

The Princess Royal toured the development and met members of the design and construction team.

This final phase, named Grianan by residents, is part of a £2.3m affordable housing project which has provided 18 new homes for Gigha.

A play park for the island's children is also to be built near to the local hotel.

I am confident that the new tenants will be pleased with their new homes Alan McDougall Fyne Homes director

A substantial amount of materials used in the construction was sourced locally, with Gigha opening a quarry on the island to supply aggregate.

Fyne Homes director Alan McDougall said: "We are delighted that the Princess Royal was able to open this final phase in such a significant social housing development for Gigha.

"The aim of the development of first phase, Roin Mor, and final phase, Grianan, was to create homes that cater for the island's 21st Century housing needs whilst complementing the historic landscape and existing housing.

"We are very proud with the outcome of this development and I am confident that the new tenants will be pleased with their new homes."