Rural Stirling Housing Association (RSHA) has started construction on a £5.8 million housing development in Balmaha, delivering 20 affordable homes alongside two plots for self-builders. The project has been designed by John Gilbert Architects and is being built by CCG (Scotland), with handover expected around next spring.

The scheme will provide a mix of ten homes for rent — including semi-detached houses and cottage flats — six houses for New Supply Shared Equity, and four homes for local workers in partnership with the East Loch Lomond Community Trust. Funding support has been secured through the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme, the Scottish Land Fund and a Rural Housing Grant.

RSHA paid tribute at the launch to the late Balmaha resident Joe Twaddle, whose efforts to secure more affordable housing in the village helped pave the way for the development.

RSHA Chairperson Fiona Boath said: "We know that the communities we serve are fully behind us when it comes to building new affordable homes where people want to live. There is a consistent and pressing need for housing in these areas, and we remain committed to our mission to carry on building."

Set on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, Balmaha is a popular visitor destination and an active rural community, where affordable homes are in high demand.

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RSHA Chief Executive Donna Birrell added: "The Balmaha community invited RSHA to help it address the lack of affordable housing in the village some time ago.

"Like RSHA, this community is completely focused on the need to bring affordable housing to Balmaha, and we have created over many years a close working relationship with the East Loch Lomond Community Trust, who are dedicated servants of the community. Working together, we have overcome obstacles and barriers to make these homes a reality.'

"We particularly want to pay tribute to the late Joe Twaddle, whose formidable campaigning to develop more affordable homes in the village was truly-trail-blazing. Sadly, Joe did not live to see the project come to fruition, but his wife, Betty, is still involved in the community and was represented at the opening event

"We further recognise the important support our partners are giving in this undertaking, such as the Scottish Government, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Stirling Council.

Councillor Willie Ferguson, Convenor of Stirling Council's Housing Committee, took part in the launch and welcomed the new homes.

Councillor Ferguson said: "I'm delighted to see the opening of this new development in Balmaha led by the hard work of Rural Stirling Housing Association.

"We recognise the need for high-quality, affordable homes across the breadth of the Stirling Council area, especially in rural areas, and supporting this development is a key part of our Strategic Housing Investment Plan. We've doubled our ambitions to deliver 900 new homes throughout Stirling over the next five years, and this development will contribute to this aim.

"Strong collaboration with key partners such as Rural Stirling Housing Association is essential, and these much-needed new homes will be warmly welcomed by the local community."

CCG (Scotland) Managing Director, David Wylie, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Rural Stirling Housing Association with the delivery of this development, which will bring much-needed affordable homes to Balmaha. The project has been a long time in the making for the community, but thanks to our advanced construction methods, the new, highly energy-efficient homes will be constructed at pace and ready for habitation next spring."