"Dream homes become reality" - says Russell

FAMILY HOMES in the west coast’s most rural locations are no longer a pipe dream as the Scottish Government invests millions into Argyll for housing.

Locations where social housing is virtually unheard of such as Ulva on the Isle of Mull, Gigha, Ormsary and Dalmally took a share of the SNP government’s Housing Innovation fund. Lochgilphead, Hellensburgh and Dunbeg also took a share of the cash to invest in larger scale developments.

The five projects will deliver 137 homes at a cost to the Scottish Government’s Housing Innovation and Investment Fund of £5,123,234.

Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell said: ‘‘When we held a housing summit in Argyll and Bute only a few weeks ago it was pressed home to the housing minister Keith Brown that investment was necessary in innovative projects in Argyll and Bute to make things work in the future.

‘It is heartening to see that my colleagues are listening. These projects are innovative and impressive – they will bring substantial change to these areas.

‘Each of these projects has been taken on its own merits. The vision and innovation of rural and island communities is tremendous. With projects such as these we will begin to see a difference in the numbers of people and families who can stay in their own communities.’

Argyll and Bute Council’s deputy planning committee chairman Councillor Roddy McCuish, added: ‘I am especially delighted that housing associations and local groups have been awarded this cash.

‘Eight houses in Dalmally is equivalent to 20 in Oban. It is fantastic news and with this sort of opportunity I can imagine it is only the beginning. This is the way forward for housing in Argyll and Bute.

‘It is especially heartening to see the Scottish Government did its own review of the proposals as I understand some of the projects funded did not receive the full backing of the counci