THE managing director of Tweed Homes has said developments built through a new initiative have saved the company during the recession.
Andy Pearson made the comments following the official opening of the house builders’ James Hogg Court scheme in Innerleithen by Scottish housing and welfare minister Margaret Burgess on Friday.
Tweed Homes and Scottish Borders Council were the first to sign up to a National Housing Trust pilot scheme in Scotland and over the last two years have worked with the Scottish Futures Trust to delivery 50 affordable homes in Galashiels and Innerleithen.
Andy Pearson said: “These projects have been a lifeblood for many people involved in the local homebuilding industry and they have safeguarded 100 jobs in the Borders over the last two years.
“Quite simply, without the support of this invaluable Scottish Government initiative, my company, Tweed Homes, would probably have been yet another casualty of the recession.”
Mr Pearson added: “Tweed Homes is extremely grateful for every ounce of support that we have received, and projects like James Hogg Court provide hard and fast evidence of how the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council can shelter its people and protect vulnerable businesses.
“James Hogg Court has been an absolute joy to develop and the directors of Tweed Homes are very proud of what we have achieved in Innerleithen.”
At the official opening, Mrs Burgess announced that the initiative is to be expanded, with up to 200 more affordable homes to be built in the Borders.
Mr Pearson said: “It is fantastic to learn that Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Futures Trust are seeking to build on the success of this pilot project with ambitious plans to deliver more new affordable homes in the Borders.
“This is truly wonderful news.”
Mrs Burgess said: “These new homes, along with the ones developed by Tweed Homes in Innerleithen, are a welcome addition to the supply of affordable housing in the Borders.”