The Arran Development Trust have announced that the allocations process for the 18 new affordable rental homes at Benlister Road/Rowarden Place in Lamlash is now complete.

All offers of a new home were sent out to potential tenants last week and were accepted within 24 hours.

The ADT received a total of 72 applications for the 18 general needs worker homes.

The extremely high number of applications received, together with the speed at which the offers were accepted by successful applicants, confirmed to the ADT that many more new affordable rental homes are required on Arran and as soon as possible.

One successful applicant said: "This is incredible news, and the first time I have ever been this lucky and able to look forward to a warm, dry affordable home at half the rent I currently pay … I can both breathe and live again”.

Another said: "This is the best news we’ve had in several years, thank you ADT please keep up the good work, everyone on Arran is depending on you building more”

One added: "Yes, yes, yes, we accept, accept, accept.”

And another successful applicant said: "As a family facing the wonderful thought of a brand new home, we are so very excited and now counting the sleeps until moving day, we can hardly contain ourselves.”

The Trust said it was highly likely that the new general needs worker accommodation homes, which consist of 2 x 1 bedroom homes, 10 x 2 bedroom homes and 6 x 3 bedroom homes, will be released for tenancy in phases

This is due in part to finalisation of statutory completion documentation and utilities connections. As soon as this information is confirmed and/or known, the ADT will inform all potential new tenants.

It is also the intention of the ADT to hold a “Community Open Day” for all interested members of the ADT membership, the Arran community, and new tenants to view the properties.

Under current Health and Safety Regulations, as soon as the site is safe for visitors, and a clear/safe route to view all three house types delineated, a date will be announced.