Government cash for 10 Aith homes

THE SCOTTISH government yesterday (Wednesday) announced that it was handing out almost £1 million for 10 new homes to be built in Aith.

Hjaltland Housing Association is to receive £971,014 towards the cost of the £1.5 million development opposite the public hall in the west side village. The houses will be a mix of one, two and three bedroom properties.

Property development manager Bryan Leask said construction should commence next month for completion in spring next year.

“The good thing is that the government is showing their continued commitment to Shetland,” he said.

Last month Shetland Islands Council was left out of a £24 million housing hand out to 22 local authorities across the country. The SIC had been looking for £4.3 million towards its ambitious plan to build 200 homes over the next five years.

Housing minister Alex Neil described yesterday’s announcement as “great news for Shetland”.

He said that since 2007 the government has paid out almost £18 million to help Hjaltland build new homes and to support the SIC housing service.