The work will see SBHA deliver 22 new homes in Oxton, Kelso and Peebles.

Contractor Morris & Spottiswood has now been appointed to build four 3-bed family homes at Heriotfield, Oxton, while Stewart & Shields has been chosen to build twelve 3-bed family homes in Tweed Court in Kelso and six cottage flats in Glensax Road, Peebles.

SBHA chief executive Julia Mulloy said: “Housing is a fundamental need, and the demand for quality affordable housing is a major concern facing communities across the Scottish Borders.

“We are delighted to increase our contribution to meeting this need and to play our part in delivering more homes in the region. Our new homes are modern, comfortable, secure and energy-efficient, as well as being creatively designed to be sympathetic to their surroundings.

“Together with homes already completed in Hawick, Galashiels and Earlston, these new developments will bring the total number of new homes built by SBHA to 91, alongside extensive refurbishment to bring 126 homes back into use.

“We look forward to working with partners to deliver more homes in the coming years to meet growing demand and strengthen the affordable housing offer in the Scottish Borders across all communities.”

The builds will be funded in part through grants from the Scottish Government via Scottish Borders Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).

Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for business and economic development, said: “Every new affordable home to be built in the Scottish Borders should be celebrated. They deliver economic benefits to local sub-contractors and businesses and bring opportunities for local people and families and create opportunities for people to move here and contribute to life in the Borders.

“It is vital to our economy that we meet the housing needs of our working-age population so I am delighted that this construction programme has been supported by the funding available through Scottish Borders Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.”