In July 2022, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) declared its Dreghorn properties as ‘surplus to requirement’ and informed the Scottish Government of its plans to dispose of the housing units.

The first part of a phased purchase of homes on the Dreghorn Estate saw the City of Edinburgh Council take over 23 properties in early 2023, and Phase 2 in January of this year saw a further 17 homes purchased. So far, these purchases have been for unoccupied properties only.

On June 9, councillors agreed to progress the purchase of a further 38 homes for £6.65 million

The proposal has been warmly welcomed by the families, who had previously been told by the MoD that they might have to vacate their homes after the summer.

Finance and resources convener Mandy Watt said: “We’re doing everything we can to make sure these residents will remain in their homes and to increase the amount of affordable and social housing we have in the city - and I know the residents are very grateful that this proposal has had so much support from councillors.

“Purchasing these homes is a sensible way to boost the housing we have, and Dreghorn is a community that provides a great place for council tenants to have a suitable, safe and affordable place to call home.

“Council colleagues have worked over many months to negotiate this purchase from the Ministry of Defence, listening to the concerns of Dreghorn residents at every turn and ensuring good value for the council. This is a huge step towards a positive outcome - a fantastic example of doing things differently to make sure we address our housing emergency.”

It is proposed that the purchase of these homes will be made using £3.289m from the Scottish Government’s National Acquisition Fund, delivered through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with the remaining balance funded through rental income and prudential borrowing over 30 years. A final decision on financing will be made at a future full council meeting.