The 41-unit development at Fauldhead, near Kirkintilloch High School, will deliver 28 flats and 13 terrace houses. The properties will be owned and managed by Hillhead Housing Association, the only community-based housing association in East Dunbartonshire.

Hillhead is supported in the project by C~urb, which is acting as development agent, and the development is part funded by the Scottish Government via an Allia charitable bond.

McTaggart Construction, specialist builders of affordable homes, will complete construction by Autumn 2025.

Managing director Janice Russell said: “We believe that building quality affordable homes positively changes lives and communities and we look forward to delivering this much needed housing project for Kirkintilloch.”

John Jamieson, chair of Hillhead Housing Association, said: “We’re delighted that the project is now on site and pleased to be working with McTaggart on this very attractive development in a great location.

“Hillhead Housing Association will celebrate its 21st anniversary next year and we are looking forward to marking that milestone with the provision of new high quality homes and the life-changing impact that they bring.”

The housing association currently provides 830 homes in Hillhead & Braes O’Yetts and this project will be a welcome addition to their housing stock at a time of high demand for social rented homes. The Fauldhead site is Hillhead’s first development project for five years.

Elinor Taggart, C~urb’s director of property development, said: “C~urb is delighted to assist Hillhead Housing Association to deliver much needed affordable homes at a time when there is a housing crisis across Scotland.

“We also welcome the opportunity to work with Hillhead Housing Association and McTaggart Construction to promote the construction industry as a positive career choice for young people.”

As part of the project’s wider Community Benefit initiatives, McTaggart will work with school pupils in Kirkintilloch to support them start a career in the house building industry.
The family firm have developed programmes with Developing the Young Workforce to help school leavers learn about the construction trade.

McTaggart Construction CSR manager, Ross Hammell, said: “This initiative builds on our commitment to creating the workforce of the future and helping young people to get a foothold in an industry offering so many different trades and skills. Creating employment opportunities for young people is part of our company ethos and values.”

The specialist builders were named Scotland’s Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year in the Skills Development Scotland Agency awards.

Over the next few years, McTaggart will deliver more than 1500 new affordable homes and is looking for new local SMEs to become their approved suppliers.

Mr Hammell said: “We are creating exciting opportunities for local material suppliers and the labour only trade supply chains as we expand our operations. As an affordable homes main contractor, we understand the critical role they play in helping us deliver the quality affordable homes that Scotland needs.”