The development, delivered by West Highland Housing Association (WHHA), a Link Group partner, comprises 12 homes for social rent and four for sale through the Scottish Government’s New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) scheme. Phase One was handed over to WHHA in early March 2026 and includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties.

Every home benefits from electric vehicle charging points and modern air source heat pumps. The shared equity homes also come with integrated kitchen appliances, including hobs and cookers, and downstairs shower rooms.

The development takes its name from Councillor Robin Currie, who represented Kintyre and the Islands for almost 40 years and served as leader of Argyll and Bute Council from 2020 until shortly before his sudden death in May 2024.

An Islay man throughout his life, Robin held the council’s policy lead role for housing, among many other responsibilities, and was a vocal advocate for tackling the housing emergency in Argyll and Bute, particularly in island and rural communities. He served on the West Highland Housing Association Board between 2012 and 2014.

Robin took part in the sod-cutting ceremony for this development in March 2024. Naming the finished homes Robin Currie Way was a fitting way for WHHA and the local community to recognise his decades of work in support of housing on the island he loved.

Brett Sadler, chief executive of West Highland Housing Association, said: “We are so pleased to have developed these much needed, fantastic new homes in Port Charlotte.

“Our Mission Statement is ‘supporting local communities to thrive’ and it’s great to hear the positive feedback from new tenants and owners already living in the scheme. Naming the scheme after Robin Currie’s sad passing only seemed fit for someone who was such a staunch supporter of rural and island housing, particularly on Islay.”

Cabinet secretary for social justice and housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Everyone deserves access to a warm, safe and affordable home – I am pleased to see the opening of these 16 new homes which have been supported by more than £2.1 million of Scottish Government investment through our Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

“These new homes will make a real difference for local people on Islay, while honouring the legacy of Robin Currie and his longstanding commitment to housing in island communities.

“We are providing record investment of up to £4.9 billion over the next four years to support delivery of around 36,000 affordable homes - providing a warm, safe home for up to 24,000 children.”

Jim Lynch, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Housing – homes for people – was one of Robin Currie’s great passions. He would have been delighted to be at the opening of Robin Currie Way, quite simply because it means that there are places to live, more homes, for people who need them.

“These homes are a wonderful reminder of and tribute to Robin’s tremendous contribution to local life, as well as the result of positive partnership working to bring this project to reality.”

MacLeod Construction Ltd began construction in March 2024. At that time, the Scottish Government confirmed backing of over £2.1 million through its Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with further funding from Argyll and Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund and WHHA itself.

The project team included CMA Architects, Cowal Design Consultants, Ardmore Point, Martin Aitken Associates, and Macdonald & Cameron.