A NEW development of five family homes for social rent in Luss has been officially opened.

Argyll and Bute Council's policy lead for communities, housing, Islands and Gaelic, Councillor Robin Currie, opened Link Group Ltd's £1.045 million development at Beinn Dubh View in Luss.

Work on the development started in September 2016, using £535,335 from the Scottish Government, £80,000 from Luss Estates and £60,000 from Argyll and Bute Council.

The five home development, built by J.R. Construction Ltd, include a mix of two and three bedroom properties and one wheelchair accessible unit on land with an estimated value of £150,000 gifted by Luss Estates.

Craig Sanderson, the Link Group's chief executive, said: “We are very pleased to have been supported by the Scottish Government, Luss Estates and Argyll and Bute Council to enable us to build these new, high quality homes which we hope will encourage growth in the local community."

Link worked with Luss Estates and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority to ensure the design and look of the properties would blend in with the surrounding conservation area.

The properties have been designed to achieve the Building Regulation Silver Standard, with high levels of insulation and Air Source heating systems to create comfortable, energy efficient and economical homes.

Simon Miller, chief executive officer of Luss Estates, added: “Luss Estates is delighted to have gifted a parcel of land for this affordable housing development, as well as supporting the funding of the build.

"This is part of Luss Estates’ commitment to attracting and retaining new families in the community, as outlined in the Luss Strategic Development Framework.”

Councillor Currie said: “I was delighted to visit Link’s recently completed development at Luss. The five homes look great, and fit in well with the surrounding area.

"Developments such as Beinn Dubh View are extremely important to small villages and we are delighted that Argyll and Bute Council was able to fund part of the project."