Operating locally for 38 years, East Lothian Housing Association (ELHA) has a deep understanding of the communities it serves and their needs. The association currently manages around 1,500 properties, mainly homes for affordable rent.

The funding from Royal Bank of Scotland will support East Lothian Housing Association’s ongoing investment in high-quality homes and tenant services, with a particular focus on the development of 80 new affordable homes in Elphinstone and Blindwells. The investment comes at a time when Scotland continues to face a shortage of housing supply, increasing pressure on the availability of good-quality, affordable homes.

Having built and sustained a long-lasting relationship, Royal Bank of Scotland is ELHA’s main transactional banking partner and a key funder to the organisation, providing both day-to-day banking services and strategic funding support.

Gary Alison, director of finance and corporate services at East Lothian Housing Association, said: “This funding marks an important step forward for East Lothian Housing Association, and more importantly, for the communities we serve. Royal Bank of Scotland’s support with this funding package will strengthen and expand our services, helping us support more tenants across the area by building more homes for rent.”

The funding will also support ELHA’s longer-term ambitions for sustainable growth, ongoing maintenance, and continued investment in existing homes. As a not-for-profit organisation, the group reinvests any surpluses back into services and the ongoing delivery and improvement of affordable housing.

Jamie Landa, senior relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “Affordable housing is central to the resilience of local communities, and we’re pleased to support East Lothian Housing Association with this new funding package. With a strong track record of understanding local needs and providing quality homes and services across East Lothian, we’re proud to be East Lothian Housing Association’s primary banking partner and to play a role in fulfilling its long-term ambitions within the area.”

This support is part of the NatWest Group’s broader ambition for the UK affordable housing sector to fund £10bn across the UK by the end of 2028.