A SOCIAL landlord celebrated building its 2000th home with a visit from the Scottish Housing Minister.

Keith Brown MSP commemorated the 2000th new home provided by Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association when he unveiled a plaque at Sanctuary's Fleming Road development in Cumbernauld, the first homes built in the planned regeneration of the town's 12 high-rise blocks.

The 2000th home is among the Fleming Road project's 31 flats. Each flat is occupied by a local family who left the 1960s-built blocks in nearby Allanfauld Road.

Mr Brown said: "Investment in new, affordable housing such as this development by Sanctuary is extremely welcome.

"As well as providing new homes for people in the local community, these developments help to boost the Scottish economy by providing opportunities both for the construction sector and for those employed in it.

"The Scottish Government is committed to delivering 6000 new affordable homes each year, and we are delighted to have exceeded our target already for this year.

"Everyone in Scotland should live in safe affordable homes that not only meet their needs, but support the development of sustainable communities."

George and Isabell Vincent lived in Allanfauld Road's Buchan House block for 33 years. The couple moved into Fleming Road in February.

Isabell, 80, said: "We love our flat. It's lovely and bright in the morning during the summer and in the evening the sunlight just streams in.

"The high-rise blocks were good in 1979 but when we left the dampness was unreal.

"Our new flat's warm, there's no noise and it is ideal for both of us at our age. We're glad we made the move."

Sanctuary plans to replace the 566 flats in Cumbernauld's 12 blocks with 440 modern, energy-efficient flats.

The firm says the regeneration of Cumbernauld's high-rises would help address an acute shortage of affordable housing, give a £70million-plus shot-in-the-arm to the local economy, sustain jobs in construction and create jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

Gordon Laurie, director of Sanctuary in Scotland, said: "We are delighted that the Housing Minister has taken time from his busy schedule to help mark a significant milestone for Sanctuary in Scotland."

stef.lach@heraldandtimes.co.uk