Ruth Davidson has hailed the innovative financing of a major new community in Aberdeen as a good model for building more houses around Scotland.
Speaking during a tour of the Countesswells development yesterday, the Scottish Conservative Party leader said there were not enough new homes being built.
The visit followed her earlier appearance as keynote speaker at an Institute of Directors (IoD) leadership masterclass – Sharing the Secrets of Success – at Robert Gordon University’s Garthdee campus.
Ms Davidson said there were still fewer homes being built than before the financial crash, adding: “We really need to get our fingers out and build more houses across the country.”
The £800million Countesswells development from Westhill-based Stewart Milne Group (SMG) is backed by £86million from the HM Treasury National Loan Guarantee Scheme. It is expected to deliver 3,000 new homes and support 1,000 construction jobs.
Ms Davidson was given an update on the “new town”, which will have schools, parks, shops and business, leisure and healthcare facilities in a phased project over 15 years.
“This new community simply wouldn’t happen without the support of the UK Government,” she said, adding: “We know there is a lack of housing across Scotland, and this community will help to address gaps in the market.”
Ms Davidson told more than 100 people at the IoD event about some of the many challenges she had faced before and after becoming party leader at 32.
Kezia Dugdale’s decision to quit the Scottish Labour Party leadership highlighted how life at the top in politics can be short-lived, she said, adding: “We can only wish her well.”
The IoD event also featured a panel debate involving NovaBiotics founder and chief executive Deborah O’Neil, Trump Golf Scotland executive vice-president Sarah Malone, Delphian Ballistics managing director Stuart McLeod and ARR Craib chief executive Eddie Anderson.
Topics included Brexit, motivation, coping with disappointment and the fitness of school leavers and students for the workplace.
IoD Aberdeen and Grampian branch chairman Mark McCue said: “This was one of our most popular masterclasses.”
