A new, purpose-built temporary accommodation unit for homeless people has been officially opened.

The facility, which is located on Island Road, was opened by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader, Councillor Angus Campbell.

Situated on the former Acres Playing Field, the unit has 24 on-suite rooms, which can accommodate up to 28 people. Separated into four flats, each has its own kitchen, while communal facilities have also been constructed for residents and include a television room, a recreation room and a laundry room.

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The Acres has been designed as an energy efficient building, and makes use of solar and a photo-voltaic panel for the domestic water, under-floor heating and harvested water for the toilets.

Welcoming the opening of the unit, Councillor Kenny Murray, Chairman of the Environment and Protective Services Committee, said: "The provision of a new temporary accommodation unit for Homeless clients has been a long-term goal for the Comhairle and we have watched the progress of The Acres with great interest.

"We have developed The Acres to provide a modern, state of the art facility that provides a safe and welcoming environment to our clients until they can secure permanent accommodation. We are all pleased that The Acres is now ready and I am sure that it will make a significant impact to our Housing Service."

(JP/IT)