Caledonia Housing Association (CHA) welcomed Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP to Perthshire this week to showcase its £6.1m development of over 40 homes, now fully occupied, in Guildtown, Perthshire, which benefitted from £2.7m Scottish Government funding.
The Minister met with Tim Goddard, the newly appointed Chair of CHA, Andrew Kilpatrick, Director of Assets, along with members of the development team for a tour of the development alongside Jack Welch, Perth & Kinross Councillor. The Minister was briefed on the positive impact the development has had on the local school in terms of increased pupil numbers and was shown the focus on supporting biodiversity with the inclusion of diverse planting, hedgehog highways, bat and swift boxes due to the rural location and feedback from the local community during the planning process.
In addition, the Minister met with resident Miss Marissa Henderson who shared details of her journey relocating to Guildtown with her son and the benefits of having the security that CHA’s tenancy’s offer provides.
The Guildtown development, constructed by A&J Stephen Builders of Perth, consists of 43 affordable homes — 11 as Shared Equity and 32 for rent — which were completed in July this year. The area provides the benefits of village living and access to the nearby primary school, a pub and a restaurant and with close proximity to Perth, Scone and Blairgowrie, making it ideal for people looking for a quieter rural lifestyle.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. Caledonia Housing Association play a valuable role in increasing the range of housing available throughout Scotland, and I was delighted to see this development, which the Scottish Government has supported with £2.7m of funding. This funding has enabled Caledonia Housing Association to provide 43 high quality, energy-efficient homes in Guildtown.
“High quality housing is a key pillar of Housing to 2040, whilst also eradicating fuel poverty and homelessness and ensuring everyone has access to green space and essential services. Caledonia Housing Association play a key role in building high-quality homes and I welcome these new affordable houses in Perthshire.”
Tim Goddard, Chair of CHA, commented: “We’re thrilled to have the Minister for Housing take a tour around Guildtown. It is a fantastic development which demonstrates Caledonia’s commitment to developing homes and creating communities for tenants in Scotland. The additional offer of shared equity provides people and families with the opportunity to take that step on to the property market while reducing the financial pressure. It’s been a great opportunity for the Minister to see the positive impact of the investment in the area.”
Tenant Miss Marissa Henderson said: “This is a lovely place to live and I feel privileged to be able to be here with my son. Living in this rural setting is a real pleasure.”
Header image from left to right: Paul McLennan MSP, Minister for Housing; Marissa Henderson, Guildtown tenant; Andrew Kilpatrick, CHA; Tim Goddard, Chair of CHA; and Perth & Kinross Councillor Jack Welch.
