An initiative to develop an affordable housing scheme for disabled veterans in Edinburgh is to receive additional funding of £250,000.

Proposed by the Scottish Veterans Garden City Association (SVGCA), the project will see five accessible homes constructed in the north of the city, at Salvesen Gardens. It will cost around £800,000, and members of Edinburgh Council have agreed to pay for the shortfall in funding.

The funding will come from the Council Tax Discount Fund, which is ring fenced to support affordable housing.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: "I am committed to supporting veterans, and we signed the Edinburgh Armed Forces Community Covenant, which encourages integration between local communities and the Armed Forces communities, in 2012.

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"A lot of work to address the city's shortage of affordable housing is ongoing, and we have introduced changes to our lettings policy for Council homes to recognise the special difficulties that veterans are facing in particular.

"The length of time ex-service personnel have served is now taken into account when they are applying for Council homes, and we work with the Edinburgh Garrison to provide housing advice and information to personnel before they leave the armed services."

Peter Minshall, Chief Executive of Houses for Heroes Scotland, added: "SVGCA has been hugely impressed by the City of Edinburgh Council and its tangible spirit adopted in pursuit of the Armed Forces Covenant. This financial support, driven by the Lord Provost, is a very much appreciated practical contribution ensuring more disabled veterans receive suitable housing in Edinburgh."

(JP/MH)