Hundreds of homes built as trust initiative gets to work

Nearly 200 homes are to be built across two sites in the Capital in the first phase of an innovative funding initiative.

Places for People will build 188 homes across the sites at Lochend North, behind Easter Road Stadium, and Madelvic 8, in Granton.

The homes will be the first in Edinburgh to be built as a result of the National Housing Trust initiative, which is led by the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust.

The money borrowed by the council to help fund the purchase of homes under the initiative will be underwritten by the Scottish Government.

Councillor Paul Edie, the city's housing leader, said: "I'm delighted that Edinburgh has blazed a trail by securing the largest contract so far.

"This is a significant achievement given the current economic climate and shows the firm commitment by this council to give the affordable housing market and construction industry a boost."