Fifteen new homes have been handed over in Linlithgow with Cala Homes East delivering the homes on behalf of West Lothian Council as part of their Preston Glade development in Linlithgow.

The homes include two 3-bedroom semi-detached houses, five 2-bedroom bungalows and eight 1-bedroom cottage flats.

The development has been funded by West Lothian Council, with assistance from Scottish Government grant funds to make homes more environmentally friendly.

These new homes are equipped with highly efficient, Zero Direct Emissions Heating (ZDEH) systems via individual air source pumps that extracts heat from the outside air to provide heating and hot water. They also benefit from the latest water misting fire suppression systems, ensuring enhanced fire safety protection and compliance with the latest fire safety regulations.

Robert Taylor, is one of the first tenants to move into the development.

He said: “I would like to sincerely thank my housing officers Tracey Graham, & Meghan Easby for offering me the new build property, and for all the support given throughout the process. They have been absolutely fantastic, and I am very grateful for their help and kindness.

“This new home will make a massive difference to my quality of life, particularly because of my mobility issues. Having a wet floor shower is incredibly important to me, and it will allow me to live much more comfortably and safely.

“Thank you again for all your hard work, understanding and support. It truly means a great deal to me.”

An additional 101 new build council homes are set to be delivered this year at sites in the Livingston area, with further homes for social rent also set to be delivered by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) across West Lothian.

Executive Councillor George Paul joined staff from the council’s housing services and representatives from Cala Homes East on a site visit to see the completed development.

Cllr Paul said: “The council remains committed to using available resources to increase the number of available homes for social rent in West Lothian. I’d like to thank our delivery partner, Cala Homes for their work in completing these high-quality homes for our council tenants.”

Derek Lawson, strategic land director with Cala Homes (East), said: “What matters most here is that these homes are now ready for people who need them, and that’s something our team has worked hard to make happen.

“Across West Lothian we’re helping deliver more affordable homes, including a further 36 homes for social rent under construction at our Pinefields development in Livingston, in partnership with Wheatley Homes.”