New Council housing at Ullapool

Friday 15 May saw Ullapool Sandra Skipper welcomed into her new home at Lochside Court by Highland Councillors Isabelle Campbell and Graham MacKenzie.

The 14 new one and two-bed flats on Garve Road in Ullapool are built on the site of the former Four Seasons Hotel.  They are grouped around a landscaped courtyard with separate parking and private gardens.  The properties are highly energy efficient, and have exceptional views across Loch Broom.

Ten of the properties are for rent through The Highland Council and the first tenants have already taken possession of their new homes. The remaining four properties have been made available for purchase through the Scottish Government’s LIFT shared equity scheme. 

The LIFT scheme is a Scottish Government initiative which is aimed to help people on low to moderate incomes own their first home.  Applicants are normally expected to pay between 60 and 80 per cent of the asking price, with the remaining share held by the Scottish Government.  Full details about the LIFT properties can be obtained from Albyn Enterprises on 01463 701270 or http://www.albynhousing.org.uk/our_housing/low_cost_ownership_options

Speaking after getting a tour around the new flats, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of Highland Council’s Community Services Committee said: “I am delighted to welcome Sandra to her new home and wish her many happy years here.  The redevelopment of the former hotel site in Ullapool has provided new homes which are both energy efficient and low maintenance, not to mention the fantastic views!”

New tenant, Sandra Skipper, said: “I absolutely love it.  Lovely views of the sea, really pleasant, quiet and peaceful.”

The fourteen flats cost £1.8million to build, with £720,000 in grant monies from the Scottish Government and £100,000 grant monies from the Council’s Landbank Fund.