Robin Currie Way opens in Port Charlotte
Sixteen new affordable homes are now open in Port Charlotte on Islay, and the first tenants and owners have already settled in. The development has been named Robin Currie Way in memory of the Islay councillor who spent decades championing housing on the island.
The homes were built by MacLeod Construction, and Phase One was handed over to us in early March. Twelve are for social rent, and four are available through the Scottish Government's New Supply Shared Equity scheme. There's a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, all with air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. The shared equity homes also come with integrated kitchen appliances and downstairs shower rooms.
Our Chief Executive, Brett Sadler, said the response from residents has been the best part. "It's great to hear the positive feedback from new tenants and owners already living in the scheme," he said, adding that the homes reflect the Association's mission of "supporting local communities to thrive."
Remembering Robin
Robin Currie was an Islay man all his life. He represented Kintyre and the Islands for almost 40 years and led Argyll and Bute Council from 2020 until shortly before his sudden death in May 2024. As the council's policy lead for housing, he spoke up often about the housing emergency facing island and rural communities. He also served on the West Highland Housing Association Board between 2012 and 2014. Naming the finished homes after him felt like the natural choice.
Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, agreed. "Housing – homes for people – was one of Robin Currie's great passions," he said. "He would have been delighted to be at the opening of Robin Currie Way, quite simply because it means that there are places to live, more homes, for people who need them."
A partnership effort
The development was supported by more than £2.1 million from the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with further funding from Argyll and Bute Council's Strategic Housing Fund and from West Highland Housing Association.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, said the homes "will make a real difference for local people on Islay, while honouring the legacy of Robin Currie and his longstanding commitment to housing in island communities."
The project team also included CMA Architects, Cowal Design Consultants, Ardmore Point, Martin Aitken Associates and Macdonald & Cameron.