The first new council home to be built for a generation in Edinburgh will be officially handed over to the new tenant today.

Lynsey Carmichael will be given the keys to her new three bedroom house in Gracemount by housing leader Councillor Paul Edie.

The flat is the first of 1,400 homes for rent and for sale to be built by 21st Century Homes, the council's house building programme. The programme now covers five areas of the city including Leith, Craigmillar, Pennywell and Sighthill, as well as Gracemount.

The Gracemount development is a partnership between the Council and Cruden Homes (East) Ltd which will include a wide range of properties for rent and for sale.

In addition to the new homes the development has supported over 40 local companies and a number of employment opportunities and apprenticeships.

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Cllr Edie said: "I’m delighted that this administration has delivered the first new council homes in Edinburgh for a generation. These are really exciting times in the capital as our new council homes are going to be built across the city.

"Many people cannot afford to get on the property ladder but developments like these, where affordable homes are available for rent and for sale, represent an important new opportunity for them.

"The 21st Century Homes programme is an important part of our ongoing long term regeneration plans for the Capital. It will support the economy by providing new jobs in both the construction industry and other sectors.

"This project also demonstrates our commitment to tackling the desperate affordable housing shortage in Edinburgh, Everyone knows more needs to be done and it's important the public and private sector work in partnership on projects like this."

Lynsey Carmichael, partner John and daughter Taylor (14) and son Max (9) recently moved from a two-bedroom home in Moredun to the brand new three-bedroom house on Garvald Street.

She said: "Our old house had a bedroom and what was really more of a box room, so we were a bit cramped. Taylor and Max had to share a room which led to some real battles over different bed times! They are very excited that finally they are getting their own rooms.

"I can’t wait to meet my new neighbours. There is something special about being the first people to move into such a brand new, clean and bright home."

(GK)