A sod-cutting ceremony has taken place at Linglie Road in Selkirk to mark the official start of a new housing partnership delivering 27 affordable homes aimed at tackling housing demand in the Scottish Borders.

Named Rutherford Way to honour the maternal grandfather of Sir Walter Scott, the development is being delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government. The project represents the first joint venture between Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA), Smith Scott Mullan, Harley Haddow, and McTaggart Construction, while also marking McTaggart Construction's inaugural project within the region.

Janice Russell, managing director at McTaggart Construction, said: "We're delighted to be breaking ground at Rutherford Way and to be working with SBHA for the first time. This development will provide much-needed, quality affordable homes for people in Selkirk, and we're committed to ensuring our presence here benefits the wider community and the local economy."

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The first sod was cut by Julia Mulloy as one of her final official duties before retiring at the end of May after a 16-year tenure as SBHA's chief executive.

She said: "It is a real privilege to be here to mark the start of this development. Watching new homes begin to take shape is always special, because each one represents a fresh start for individuals and families.

"Projects like this also show the importance of strong partnership working, with organisations coming together to deliver homes and opportunities that will benefit the community for years to come. We would like to thank Scottish Borders Council, as well as the Scottish Government for funding support."

The four partners are also collaborating on pre-construction design works for a second joint project situated at the former Heather Mill site in Selkirk. Planning approval was recently sought for this secondary scheme, which is designed to provide an additional 59 affordable homes, further demonstrating the alliance's commitment to boosting the regional supply of quality affordable housing.

To fulfil its community benefit obligations, McTaggart Construction organised a Meet the Buyer event prior to the commencement of works, providing local suppliers and businesses with opportunities to participate in the construction supply chain. Additionally, the project partners are collaborating to establish local talent pipelines, creating new employment and training pathways for residents in the area.