Six new houses to be built by Hjaltland in Cullivoe

Six new houses will be built in Yell over the summer months for Hjaltland Housing Association despite it facing a major cut in core funding from the government.

The houses, designed by architects Redman and Sutherland, will be built on a site adjacent to the Cullivoe school.

Hjaltland’s property services manager Bryan Leask said: “I am pleased to finally be able to confirm that we have received government approval for this project. Following numerous delays we are now looking forward to making a start in the next couple of months.

“While it is true that we are facing a 46 per cent cut in our core funding we are in the fortunate position of having a good working relationship with the SIC which affords us the use of a bridging facility to support our development programme.

“This innovative approach has been recognised by the Scottish government as an excellent example of partnership working to meet the common goal of meeting the current housing demand throughout Shetland.”

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil added: “The Scottish government is investing over £761,000 in Hjaltland Housing Association’s latest development, bringing more good housing news for Shetland.

“The provision of quality affordable homes is vital to ensure the prosperity of Yell and it helps to house and retain the local population. It will also sustain the local building trade and related businesses.”

Principal architect Iain Malcolmson of Redman and Sutherland said the houses had been clustered tightly together in the design to afford a degree of shelter and give the houses relatively large gardens to suit the rural environment.

“We hope the way the buildings relate to each other will generate a good sense of community from when the keys are handed over,” he said.

The houses have been designed to have a timeless feel despite being “unashamedly modern” and be well insulated, air tight, ventilated and warm with low running costs.

Despite the cuts Hjaltland is still busy with 64 houses already under construction at Quoys, Sandwick and Aith.Hjaltland is also proposing to commence work at Herrislea House, Eshaness and the Baptist church in Lerwick over the next 12 months.