SCOTLAND’S new housing minister has been given a tour of East Lothian’s latest council homes.

East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan, a former leader of East Lothian Council, visited the Letham Mains site on the western edge of Haddington last week.

The development of 37 new homes is part of the 800 houses being built on the site, which is also home to Letham Mains Primary School.

The council housing, being built by Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, includes three wheelchair-accessible bungalows, two amenity houses for older people and a mix of semi-detached houses and flats.

Mr McLennan previously represented Dunbar and East Linton on the council.

He said: “My aim is for everyone to have a warm, safe, affordable home that meets their needs, and these 37 new social rented homes in Haddington, supported by £2.2 million of Scottish Government funding, will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the new residents.

“Scotland has led the way in delivering affordable housing across the UK, with more than 118,000 homes delivered since 2007, and we are committed to delivering on our target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70 per cent will be available for social rent and 10 per cent will be in our remote, rural and island communities.”

'A great opportunity'

Councillor Andy Forrest, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for housing and property maintenance, joined his former council colleague at Letham Mains.

The council homes are scheduled for completion in two phases from late May and early June.

They will be purchased by East Lothian Council with support from a Scottish Government subsidy of just over £2 million.

Mr Forrest said: “Letham also includes a local centre, community facilities and transport links.

“This site forms part of the council’s general commitment to build almost 2,000 new affordable homes between now and the financial year 2026/27.”

Tommy Stirling, production director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, said work was progressing well.

He said: “We are proud of our long and established relationship with East Lothian Council, which has and continues to deliver much-needed affordable homes locally at Letham Mains.

“This visit was a great opportunity for the minister to see first-hand the high-quality affordable homes that we are building.”