New affordable housing developments in Lochaber, backed by £2.7m of Scottish Government funding, were officially opened today.

The two developments - in Arisaig and Fort William - will enable people to rent low-cost homes or purchase an affordable majority stake in properties under the Government's shared equity scheme.

Twenty-five properties have been unveiled, with two and three bedroom houses for families and single storey houses suitable for the elderly and wheelchair users.

Across the Highlands, £32m will be spent by the Government to help deliver 401 affordable homes in 2009-2010.


A record £1.5bn is being invested in affordable housing across the country, over the next three years.

Opening the new developments today Housing Minister Alex Neil said: "This superb new development is great news for families in Lochaber looking for affordable rental housing, and low-cost homeownership.

"This Government is determined to boost Scotland's stock of affordable housing and, as part of this, help safeguard jobs and provide new employment opportunities.

"As well as investing significant funding in Lochaber, we are working hard to support housing associations, councils, local land owners and developers to find solutions to the current economic challenges."

Local Highland Councillor Donald Cameron said: "We welcome this much needed investment in the Lochaber area and hope that the Scottish Government continues to invest in affordable housing in Lochaber and the wider Highlands."

The Scottish Government LIFT shared equity scheme aims to help people on low incomes who wish to own their own home.

Buyers pay for the majority share in a property, normally between 60% and 80%, and the Scottish Government holds the remaining share under a shared equity agreement.

(GK/JM)