This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New affordable homes for Arran
29/03/2004
First Minister Jack McConnell today officially opened
Low Glencoy - eight affordable new homes that form the
latest development by Trust Housing Association in
Arran.
He also confirmed that the island is to receive £1.7m
from a dedicated fund to support such developments across
rural Scotland.
The money that Arran will receive from the Special Rural
Fund will result in 16 new affordable homes being built on
the island.
Mr McConnell is on Arran to take part in the Convention
of the Highlands and Islands which is meeting in Brodick
Castle today.
Speaking at Low Glencoy, the First Minister said:
"Affordable housing is an issue for all Scots, in every
part of the country. However, when I visit rural
communities it is an issue that is always raised with me.
People tell me that they want to stay in their communities,
but the lack of good, affordable housing is forcing them to
leave. We must act to stop this.
"That is why we created the Special Rural Fund and I am
delighted that, already, it is starting to deliver. It is
delivering the new homes that will allow our rural
communities to remain strong and vibrant. It is helping to
deliver a sustainable future for rural Scotland."
On the new development at Low Glencoy, the First
Minister said:
"Trust Housing Association are to be congratulated for
their dedication to the cause of providing high quality,
affordable housing here on Arran. Through their work, Trust
are making sure that future generations of families will
have the opportunity to call this magical island their
home."
The First Minister and Communities Minister announced
the creation of the Special Rural Fund at the Convention of
the Highlands and Islands in Stornoway in October 2003. The
first round of allocations were announced by Deputy
Communities Minister, Mary Mulligan, earlier this
month.
The overall Scottish Executive investment programme in
affordable housing of £284m in 2004/05 compared to £266m in
2003/04 - a 7% increase.
A total of £65m has been allocated for housing
investment in rural communities in 2004/05 (including
special rural programme) - a 10% increase compared to
2003/04 and the highest ever proportion of funding to rural
areas.
Trust Housing Association was formerly known as Kirk
Care. Founded in 1973, Kirk Care provides and manages a
range of quality housing and related services to older
people and others in need. The association has more than
100 developments throughout Scotland and operates from
centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Arran.