The first new social housing for decades in South Harris has been handed over.
Tenants received the keys on Monday for five recently constructed homes at Leverburgh
scheme is named Lèana an t-Sruith after the local name for the general area of the
new housing development.
Only six social housing properties were earmarked for construction under the original
plan but South Harris Community Council spearheaded a drive to double the number.
It’s been an extraordinary long wait - the community was in desperate need of such
a development but ignored for many decades say locals with a dire housing shortage
contributing to depopulation and a falling school roll.
This first phase contains a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses. The final phase is
expected to be completed in October.
The houses are built to high levels of insulation and heating costs should be low.
All have air source heat pumps and sprinkler systems and are the first with electric
vehicle charging points provided.
The properties were built by Alex Murray Construction and funded by HHP with significant
grant support from Scottish Government.
HHP Chair, Mr Gordon Macleod, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of this
first phase of high-quality homes for Leverburgh.
“I look forward to the completion of the final phase in due course where we can celebrate
this development along with the local community and partners to recognise the significant
effort it took to get this site under construction.”
Donnie ‘Rodel’ Macdonald on behalf of South Harris Community Council said: “We are
very happy to acknowledge the first five houses at the Leverburgh housing site and
wish to congratulate HHP, Scottish Government, the council, TIG, and especially Alex
Murray Construction for the wonderful way that they've brought this project together
to fruition.”
Mr Macdonald along with community council representatives had the opportunity to
view the new properties.
He said: “I am very impressed with the workmanship and finishing of these new houses
“We look forward to the final completion of the housing site with the full 12 houses
being handed over to local residents in Leverburgh.”
Housing minister Paul McLennan said the development will have a “transformational
effect” on the community, not only providing affordable homes but “supporting local
business and ensuring services remain viable.
“Supported by grant funding from Scottish Government, this project is a further example
of the Scottish Government investing in our rural communities with significant support
from our partners at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Hebridean Housing Partnership,
who continue to ensure affordable homes are delivered across the Outer Hebrides.”
First social housing homes for South Harris in decades handed over
27 May 2025