Princess Anne's housing unveil

Apr 13, 2007, 12:20 GMT

Britain's Princess Anne unveiled the first social housing development to be built on a community-owned Herbridean island for five years yesterday (12.04.07).

The princess royal officially opened the final phase of a £2.3 affordable housing project on the island of Gigha - three miles west of Scotland's Kintyre peninsula.

Housing association Fyne Home is behind the 18-home development and regeneration project. This month they completed 10 new homes for rent.

The new homes, which are partially powered by solar panels, were designed by Oban architect Iain Campbell, who was chosen by islanders from a design competition sponsored by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

In March 2002 Gigha residents made history when they purchased the island for £4 million. They now officially own is through a development trust called the isle of Gigha Heritage Trust.

Fyne Homes director Alan McDougall told BBC News: "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."

There are also plans to build a park for the island's children near the local hotel.

Last year Gigha boasted a population of 150 - more than a 50 per cent rise since the 2002 buy-out.

(C) BANG Media International