Places for People (PfP) Scotland has announced a landmark partnership with Orkney Islands Council to deliver up to 500 new homes over the next decade – becoming the first national housing association to build in the islands.

Andrew Usher, Group Managing Director for Regeneration and Development at Places for People, said:

“We’re proud to be joining forces with Orkney Islands Council to help deliver the quality and mix of homes that local people need and deserve.

“This partnership is about more than just building houses – it’s about strengthening Communities. We’re committed to working closely with the Council, local contractors and suppliers to ensure that the investment in new homes also supports jobs, skills and the local economy.

“No one should be priced out of the place they call home. That’s why tackling the housing crisis means building the right homes in the right places and the most remote parts of the UK need investment as much as anywhere else.

“Through this partnership, we aim to create homes that help people stay and thrive in Orkney’s unique and vibrant Communities.”

Around 60% of the homes will be affordable, supporting Orkney Islands Council’s target of delivering 1,035 new homes by 2034 and ensuring local people can stay and thrive in the Communities they love.

PfP Scotland currently manage over 9,000 homes and provide services to almost 10,500 Customers. It is one of the leading housing associations in the country.

Working alongside Orkney Islands Council and other local housing stakeholders, the programme will deliver a mix of social rent, mid-market rent, and home ownership options across key development sites.

The investment also aims to create opportunities for local building firms, boosting jobs, skills, and the construction sector across Orkney.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said:

“Lack of available housing is without a doubt the biggest challenge facing Orkney. The scale of the challenge facing us required decisive and bold action – and today’s announcement of Places for People Scotland entering the market in Orkney is the result of months of work by our local housing team.

“We are delighted that Places for People Scotland have come on board to support local providers in building more housing in Orkney – ensuring that more homes are available for more people.

“The addition of Places for People Scotland to the local partnership will provide additional strength to the existing local partnership in order to meet the ambitious vision we have to deliver Orkney’s housing needs.

“Building new homes is such a critical element of retaining and attracting essential workers to support Orkney’s communities and economy – including young people within our community who are looking to move out of their parents’ home and to rent or to get on the housing ladder.

“Orkney Islands Council, OHAL, local development trusts and now Places for People Scotland are committed to working with the local construction industry through the relevant procurement process of building houses – helping to create local work and boosting the local economy.”

A statement from OIC says : Orkney Islands Council, Orkney Housing Association Ltd, and local Isles Development Trusts will continue to contribute to housing supply targets over the coming decade. All developments – including those by PfP Scotland – will be subject to the availability of Scottish Government grant funding for new affordable housing.