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A NEW housing development in Angus – built as part of an affordable housing scheme pioneered by rural landowners – has been officially unveiled by the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Shona Robison MSP.

With the assistance of the Scottish Government’s Rural Housing Fund, Stracathro Estate built six new three-bedroom houses, which opened to tenants late last year.

The owner of Stracathro Estate, Hugh Campbell Adamson, was galvanised to the affordable housing following the threatened closure of the local primary school more than four years ago.

The six houses, built at a cost of £1.15 million, including the value of the agricultural land, were part funded by a £530,000 Rural Housing Fund grant, and designed by a local architect to silver standard insulation, upgraded to fit in with local architecture, including slate roofs and partial stone cladding. Communal ground source heating, which was grant aided under the Non-domestic RHI scheme, was also installed.

The houses were advertised by a local estate agent in the summer of 2021 at a rent of £475 per month – in comparison to commercial rents for similar properties in the area of around £700 per month. The development attracted 420 applications, with successful tenants moving in in November 2021.

Mr Campbell Adamson said: “We’ve been aware that we have both a lack of housing and young families living and working in the local area for some time, so when I heard about the Rural Housing Fund I felt that this was a good way to do my bit to provide good quality and affordable housing to attract people who would contribute to the local community.

“The Rural Housing Fund grant application was a fairly straightforward process. I agreed the affordable house criteria with Angus Council and Scottish Government beforehand and then we took it to More Homes to get funding approval.

“I would really encourage people to apply for this grant if they are interested in providing affordable housing. The Rural Housing Fund were incredibly helpful," he said. "Although it’s quite a time-consuming process to develop affordable housing, I think others will share the pride I feel in bringing in new people to the area to enjoy the benefits of rural life and help to make sustainable communities. And it has helped to save the local primary school.”

Stracathro has a total of 37 houses and cottages on the estate. Since 2000, the estate has invested £2 million into its housing stock, providing full central heating (through communal systems where practical), loft and underfloor insulation and double glazing.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “I am pleased to see the completion of these six high-quality, energy efficient family homes, partly funded with £530,000 from the Scottish Government’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund. We want everyone to have a safe, warm, affordable home that meets their needs. We also know that affordable housing is essential to help attract and retain people in our rural areas, and this project will make a huge difference to the local community in Stracathro.”

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