NewsArticle-04-08-2010

Industry body Homes for Scotland has declared Scotland’s Housing Expo (a month long exhibition in Inverness showcasing 52 innovative sustainable homes) an inspiration as to what can be achieved in the most difficult of economic circumstances.

This follows a visit by a delegation from the organisation’s Board – a group of some of the sector’s most senior figures.  Chief Executive Jonathan Fair (right)said:

“We have been hugely impressed by the range of homes and tenures on show.  The project not only demonstrates Scotland’s forward-thinking but also its determination to succeed against a very challenging backdrop.”

Chairman Gerry More said:

“There really is something for everyone here.  Whether you want to look at interesting designs, learn more about the technologies employed or gain an insight into how we could be living a few years from now, I would strongly encourage people to visit over the coming weeks to see what they think for themselves.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Homes for Scotland represents the country’s home building industry which, prior to the onset of the credit crunch,:   

• was the largest source of private investment in Scotland and the largest user of the planning system
• built 20,000 new homes, contributed £6bn to the economy and directly impacted the employment of 100,000 people (2007 figures)

Half the industry's directly employed jobs have already been lost and Scottish new build housing output has plummeted, presenting far-reaching and long-term social and economic consequences.