Homes First: Wightman launches campaign to control short-term lets

Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, has today launched his “Homes First” campaign to control the rapid and unregulated growth of short-term lets, where owners of residential properties offer them as holiday accommodation. Continue reading Homes First: Wightman launches campaign to control short-term lets

Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland Excellence Award winners announced

The winners of Scotland’s annual awards for excellence in housing were announced at a special awards dinner at Murrayfield Stadium on 27 October. Thirteen award category winners were announced alongside a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Mary Taylor in recognition of her services to Scotland’s housing sector. Continue reading Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland Excellence Award winners announced

City council sets up homelessness taskforce

New group aims to end use of B & B accommodation

The city council has created a new homelessness task force to investigate the growing problem in the city. Chaired by the ‘Homelessness Champion’, Councillor Kate Campbell, the task force will review the use of bed and breakfast accommodation and explore alternatives that could better meet the needs of individuals and families, with an aim to end the use of bed and breakfast accommodation. Continue reading City council sets up homelessness taskforce

Starting gun sounds for historic Leith Fort site

A partnership between Port of Leith Housing Association,the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government has delivered a new community of affordable homes in Leith. An opening ceremony will take place today at the site of the 18th century Leith Fort, which was the original home of Edinburgh Castle’s world famous One o’clock gun. Continue reading Starting gun sounds for historic Leith Fort site

Holyrood call for greater support for new build homebuyers

Committee hears ‘homeowner distress’

After hearing from distressed homeowners, a Holyrood Committee is today calling for more homebuyer support – particularly for new build homeowners – in the event of building defects and poor build quality. In a wide ranging report, the Local Government and Communities Committee identified a number of improvements that could be made to building regulations and fire safety standards in Scotland. Continue reading Holyrood call for greater support for new build homebuyers