Work is underway on a housing development in Innerleithen, according to the Scottish Borders Council.

A sod cutting event marked the start of work which will provide three one-bedroom affordable homes on High Street.

An agreement was reached with developers Waverley Tweed at the end of last year for the council to acquire the three flats, in addition to a further six two-bedroom properties at the developer's adjacent Waverley Road site, where work is also due to start.

The latter acquisition has been facilitated through the council's National Housing Trust Initiative, with limited liability partnership Bridge Homes taking ownership of the houses.

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The Scottish Government has contributed £120,000 from its Affordable Housing Supply Programme towards the purchase of the High Street properties.

Councillor Frances Renton joined ward councillors and representatives of the Scottish Government, Scottish Futures Trust and the developer at the sod cutting event.

He said: "I am delighted that this site is now being developed and will provide three affordable flats for rent and will help improve the quality and appearance of the High Street.

"Our investment into the National Housing Trust Initiative is continuing to provide affordable homes for rent across the Scottish Borders and we are on track to deliver almost 150 affordable homes through this scheme by the end of 2019, which includes the six in Waverley Road, Innerleithen."

Keith Burns, Director of Waveley Tweed, said: "We are delighted to begin construction on what is an important development in the centre of Innerleithen."

(LM)