The new homes – in Cardonald in Glasgow, Bishopton in Renfrewshire, and Falkirk – will all be for social rent, bringing much-needed housing for local people in the three communities.

At the biggest development, 58 homes will be taking shape on the site of the former Royal Ordnance Factory in Bishopton. The homes are part of a huge regeneration project at the former munitions factory which will see the land transformed by housing, commercial units and a new community woodland park.

The Loretto houses, being built by Robertson Partnership Homes, are part of a wider development of 206 homes. The homes are funded by a £3.6 million charitable donation from the Scottish Government’s investment programme managed by Allia, and a £1m grant from the Scottish Government. Work will begin on-site soon.

Meanwhile in Glasgow, 32 homes are being built for over 55s on the site of the former Berryknowes Resource Centre on Hallrulle Drive in Cardonald. The new homes, being delivered for Loretto by McTaggart Group and funded by a £3.2m grant from Glasgow City Council, will have a communal garden and will be designed to provide much-needed accommodation to help older people live independently for longer in their own homes.

In Falkirk, 21 new Loretto homes will breathe new life into Cobblebrae Farm in Bainsford. The affordable homes, being built by contractor Sim Building Group, and funded by a £1.8m grant from the Scottish Government, will be next to Cobblebrae Community Woodland.

Loretto chair Douglas Robin said: “We are delighted to start work on these three affordable housing developments. They will transform previously derelict sites, providing spacious, modern and energy-efficient homes for local people.

“I’m sure the new homes will make a big difference to the quality of life of the people who live in them, and I’m particularly delighted that as part of our investment we’re able to bring forward homes specially designed for older people in Glasgow.”