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News
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Fyne Homes will be held on Wednesday 8th September 2010 at 2.00 pm in the Discovery Centre, Victoria Street, Rothesay
The meeting requires that at least 10% of the membership attend before the meeting can proceed
Committee wish to encourage tenant members to attend the AGM and would like to assess how many would attend if transport were available. In order that any necessary arrangements can be made we need to know numbers, so if you are a tenant member and want to attend the AGM but require transport please contact Margaret Thomson on 0845 607 7117 by 18th August 2010
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In these times of uncertainty, it makes perfect sense for home buyers to consider the running costs of a new home before they buy. This was what Housing Association Director, Peter McDonald thought when he set out to build Scotland’s first ‘Passivhaus’ (or Passive House if you use the English spelling), a home that’s annual running costs amounts to the equivalent of using around 3 car tanks of diesel. The basic principle behind the Passivhaus design is to build a ‘low energy’ home that consumes a fraction of the energy used by a standard house whilst not compromising on comfort. The stunning terraced, 2 bedroom house, built by Fyne Initiatives and completed in April of this year, (the commercial subsidiary of Fyne Homes, an Argyll based housing Association) is the first in Scotland to achieve ‘Passivhaus’ accreditation. The property is part of a development of 14 new low energy homes overlooking the beautiful Firth of Clyde in Dunoon, named ‘Tigh-Na-Cladach’ (house by the shore).
Set against magnificent hillside woodland, boasting unrivalled views that many would pay a high premium for, the challenge for Fyne Initiatives Ltd was to provide quality, affordable, low energy homes that would meet the needs of the local community of Dunoon. The plan was always to sell the homes through the Governments ‘LIFT’ scheme (Low Cost Home Ownership for First time buyers) thus ensuring that the homes remain in the affordable sector of the housing market.
The Architect, Gokay Deveci, has designed a contemporary development which takes it’s cue from it’s waterfront location, being designed around the idea of ‘Brighton Beachuts’ but not ignorant of local conditions and Scottish vernacular architecture. The design echoes the traditional built form of fishing villages arranged with gables facing the sea in an effort to reduce exposure to prevailing winds and the resulting heat loss. The bold, contrasting colours add a strong sense of place and vitality, giving the relative simplicity of the building, it’s ‘X’ factor.
Looking at these unique homes now, it is easy to see why, only 2 months after completion in April of this year, almost all have now sold to delighted local residents, the majority of whom are first time buyers. Being the first in Scotland to be officially accredited by the German Passive House Institute and the first ‘affordable’ home to be accredited in the UK has meant that the project team and the Contractor have had to negotiate a steep learning curve along the way. The demanding criteria set out by the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt, Germany insists that the total energy used in space heating including energy for appliances and domestic hot water is less than 120 kWh/m2/ year. The high level of air tightness and ‘passive’ features including well designed orientation of the property means that the heating requirement is reduced to the point that there is no longer a need for a conventional heating system. The overall heating requirement for the house is a mere 1600 kWh/year, which is approximately a tenth of what an average traditional house uses. Solar thermal panels were installed to further reduce energy bill for hot water by over 50%.
Achieving this level of specification was an involved process which required various air-tightness tests to be carried out during the build works and certain requirements such as increased insulation, draughtproofing, advanced triple glazing as well as a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system (MVHR) which provides up to 80% of heating requirements through warmed fresh air.
Architect Gokay Deveci who is also a professor at the Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, is pleased with the result, “I have been designing low energy homes for a number of years and to have achieved the Passivhaus standard which is the cutting edge of low energy design is a considerable achievement for Scottish Housing”. There is a growing demand in recent years for ‘low energy’ homes and it is encouraging to see the Housing adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. With Government targets to cut Carbon emissions by 42%, more than a third of 1990 levels by 2020, one of the main ways of achieving this will be by making homes more energy efficient and I can see future building standards moving towards Passivhaus standards along with Northern Europe”.
Although the first of it’s kind in Scotland, Passivhaus is a well established building methodology throughout Europe, with thousands of domestic and commercial Passivhaus properties built in the last decade. The design principle has been rigorously tested and sanctioned by the European Union as the highest performing specification for a ‘low energy home’.
Fyne Initiative’s Director, Peter McDonald, is delighted with their achievement, he says “we have always aimed to build low energy buildings and provide the most sustainable solutions for future generations, however this is beyond our wildest dreams. This development has proven that affordable housing does not preclude sustainability or energy efficiency. Achieving Passivhaus certification is not an easy task and we couldn’t have done it without the expertise of our experienced Architect, Gokay Deveci and our outstanding Dunoon based contractor John Brown (Strone) Ltd. We are even prouder to be the first to reach the standards in Scotland and lead the way for improved standards for affordable and social housing in the UK.”
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The Old Courthouse, as it is now known, is rapidly transforming into a sophisticated and unique development of 25 flats for sale through the Scottish Government’s low cost home ownership scheme ‘LIFT’. The scheme, which allows buyers to take a ‘stake‘ in the property rather than pay the full price, means that a property valued at £100,000 would cost between £60,000 to £80,000 to buy a 60 – 80% stake. Regardless of the size of the stake taken, the successful purchaser takes full title to the property and other than the usual associated costs of running and maintaining a home, such as Council Tax and Insurance, there are no additional charges such as rent. The remaining stake is held by The Scottish Government whose aim is to provide affordable housing with priority given to first time buyers, preferably to people who already live and work in the local area.
The 25 flats, a mix of mainly 1&2 bed properties are currently under construction and are due to be completed in October this year. The Architect has taken a sympathetic approach to the existing building and retained as many of the original features as possible including the stone façade, spiral staircase and roof light in the main entrance hall. As a result of this attention to detail combined with contemporary style and modern finish, each flat enjoys its own unique character and brings this magnificent building into the 21st century with style.
Peter McDonald, New Business Director is delighted with the project “The flats will contribute to a growing demand for affordable, quality housing whilst giving this wonderful building a new lease of life and purpose within our community.”
For further information and to register your interest click HERE. Application forms will be sent out in May 2010 to those who have registered an interest.
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Works on the site of the Old Mid Argyll hospital and Lochgiphead High School began in February and mark the beginning of the transformation of this derelict site into 88 new homes for rent and sale through the Government’s shared equity scheme known as ‘LIFT’.
The £7.7m project, designed by Oban – based CP Architects and built by local contractor MacLeod’s Construction will see Phase 1 of the works complete by April 2012, providing 43 units for rent, 18 units for shared equity and 4 house plots for sale.
The new properties are a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom flats, 2 bedroom terraced houses and 2,3 and 4 bedroom semi detached homes are hoped to provide a welcome boost to the local economy along with the much needed quality, affordable housing for the area. Peter McDonald, Fyne Home’s New Business Director commented “We are delighted to be commencing works at last, we have waited a long time to get to this stage and are thankful to the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council for providing the essential funding required to progress”.
Proof that sustainability is still on the agenda, every effort was made on the site to recycle as much material as possible from the demolished High school building. A large proportion of the furniture from the school was removed by Argyll and Bute’s Employability team and has been shipped to Africa by a company called ‘Education for All’ which specializes in providing educational resources to schools in developing countries. Peter McDonald is keen to emphasize Fyne Homes’ on-going commitment to sustainability, “ We became involved with this project for a number of reasons, it enabled us to reduce the waste going to landfill, we were able to help a school that is in need of the furniture and by getting involved we can raise the profile of charities in the developing world.”
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 Alan was the first employee of Isle of Bute Housing Association Ltd which was created in 1979 to address the serious problem of sub- standard housing stock within central Rothesay. During his 30 year career he has led its growth from a small organisation based on Bute offering rented houses in Rothesay to its expansion into the Fyne Group, which includes Fyne Homes, Fyne Initiatives and Fyne Futures. The group operates in Bute, Cowal, Mid Argyll and Kintyre offering a much needed choice of affordable and sustainable housing for rent and ownership throughout these diverse rural areas.
Don Williams, Chair of Fyne Homes said “I want to thank Alan for his terrific contribution over the past 30 years and his participation in building a thriving business. He leaves behind him a very capable Management Team and a sound organisation which is well positioned to continue meeting all the challenges of providing for those in housing need now and in the future."
Alan is looking forward to having more time to extend his voluntary work with disadvantaged young people which has been on the backburner for the last few years, seeing a bit more of the world and pursuing other challenges which might even include finally getting his golf handicap down to a respectable level.
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Fyne Homes are working closely with the local community to make lasting changes that will benefit their tenants, local residents and the environment through their Wider Action projects. Their 3 main projects are undertaken and organised through Fyne Futures, the sustainability subsidiary of Fyne Homes. Peter McDonald, Fyne Home’s New Business Director, is delighted with the how the projects are progressing “ we are passionate about involving the community in projects like this, we are already seeing the potential that can be realized when we work together ”
The Recycling Centre
The Recycling Centre, set up in the town of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute 5 years ago, started through the determination of just one local man who, on his bike, collected cans from pubs around the island. When the centre started out in 2005, they were recycling approx 9 tonnes of waste annually, this has increased to an amazing 450 tonnes per year. The collections consist of plastic bottles, aluminium cans, steel cans, paper and cardboard, textiles, furniture and used vegetable oil for the production of bio-fuel.
Bute Produce
Bute Produce began in 2008 on the Isle of Bute following successful feasibility study and funding as well as a generous gift of land from Mount Stuart Estates. The aim of the project is to produce locally grown affordable vegetables which can be delivered to homes on a regular basis. The island`s main source of fresh vegetables are currently transported from the mainland by ferry, however a pilot ‘green box’ delivery scheme was piloted in January this year and has been well received by the local residents involved. Plans to produce larger quantities to meet a greater demand along with increasing the choice of produce available are currently underway and are due to be launched this year. The garden grows the produce in line with organic principals to achieve quality fresh produce and already employs 3 people with funding through Leader, Wider Role, HIE, Community Energy Scotland and the Climate Challenge Fund. The project educates people in the local community to grow their own produce and to provide education for younger children (3-9 years old) under the ‘Ferry Berry’ club membership. Even the site itself is energy efficient using recycled water, power from a biodiesel generator and in early 2010 using energy created from a wind turbine; the first approved wind turbine on the island. Future plans for the project include constructing a master composting centre to take food waste from the local school and combine with vegetation waste from the site. Power for this site will be provided by a small scale 6kw wind turbine with funding from Community Energy Scotland, Leader, Wider Role, and HIE. The turbine will contribute an income stream and also provide energy to manage the site activities.
Towards Zero Carbon Bute
Fyne Homes were also successful in securing over £200,000 funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge fund to employ a project manager to deliver a target of 25% reduction in carbon emissions on the Isle of Bute by March 2011. Project Manager Sheena Stone says “We help local residents to find grants, make their homes more energy efficient, provide information on in-home energy generation such as wind turbines and solar panels, as well as providing more sustainable transport options. It is an exciting time for the Isle of Bute, it is great to see people are engaging with environmental issues and wanting to play their part in reducing their energy consumption and emissions.
Further information on the above projects can be found HERE.
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Fyne Initiatives, the commercial subsidiary of Argyll based housing association, Fyne Homes are the first developers in Scotland to have been awarded full German Passivhaus Certification on a new build property. The property, which is due to be unveiled in April 2010, is the first domestic Passivhaus in Scotland and the first social domestic Passivhaus in the UK. The terraced, 2 bedroom house is part of a development of 14 new low energy homes overlooking the beautiful Firth of Clyde in Dunoon, and has been named ‘Tigh-Na-Cladach’ (house by the shore).
With the Scottish government aiming to cut Carbon emissions by 42%, more than a third of 1990 levels by 2020, one of the main ways of achieving this will be by making homes more energy efficient. The Passivhaus Standard has been proven using tests carried out by the European Union and has emerged as the most energy efficient building design to such an extent that it is currently being suggested as standard for European Building Regulations by 2015.
To build a Passivhaus requires close attention to detail by the design team to ensure that the property meets the criteria required by the Passivhaus Institute. These targets are designed to ensure a dramatic reduction in the requirement for space heating and hot water usage whilst providing a good indoor climate. This was achieved by an excellent level of air-tightness, highly efficient heat recovery ventilation, triple glazing with insulated frame and solar panels for hot water. Although every Passivhaus shares similar characteristics, each building can be totally unique and designed to the meet the client’s requirements. Some of these characteristics include triple glazing, super insulation, consideration and use of form and orientation to reduce heat loss and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system. The architect’s design and specification process was accompanied by the Scottish Passivhaus Centre who used a series of calculations to ensure that the specified targets are being met. The pressure test revealed an exceptional success in achieving the air tightness targets. Finally the design was verified by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.
Fyne Initiative’s director, Peter McDonald, is delighted with their achievement, he says “we have always aimed to build low energy buildings and provide the most sustainable solutions for future generations, however this is beyond our wildest dreams. To have achieved Passivhaus certification is not an easy task and we couldn’t have done it without the expertise of our experienced Architect, Gokay Deveci and our outstanding Dunoon based contractor John Brown (Strone) Ltd. We are even prouder to be the first to reach the standards in Scotland and lead the way for improved standards for affordable and social housing in the UK.”
Thomas Froehlich of the Scottish Passivhaus Centre was equally delighted to have been able to issue the certificate which recently became the independent Scottish Passivhaus certifier. He enthuses “this building methology is quite common in Germany, Austria and other European countries and we are excited to see it being developed here in Scotland. We want to encourage more developers to consider building a Passivhaus which will significantly reduce running costs for the occupants and contribute to a healthier planet for our children.”
Architect Gokay Deveci who is also a professor at the Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, is jubilant “I have been designing low energy homes for years and am pleased to have achieved this standard which is at the cutting edge of low energy design. Of course success with any type of building project all comes down to good teamwork and wouldn’t have been possible without a quality contractor. John Brown (Strone) Ltd have been a joy to work with and have undertaken the work with great care and attention to detail. I would also like to thank the supplier of the closed wall timber kit system, RTC Timber systems, Morham and Brotchie Quantity Surveyors, Ramage Young Ltd, Engineers, NHBC, Pentran Planning Supervisors, and the SPHC.
The work is not over yet for Fyne Initiatives whose next task will be to monitor energy use once the Passivhaus is occupied and provide a post occupancy evaluation and report.
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Fyne Homes is delighted to announce that as of 1st November 2009 the operation of our out of hours repairs service has been taken over by Hanover Telecare.
Hanover Telecare is a well established company who provide out of hours emergency repairs service to many housing associations from their call centre in Edinburgh.
Those of you who have had to use our out of hours service in the past will have been familiar with the situation where you had to leave a message on an automated voicebank and wait for a member of our staff to call you back.
One of the benefits in transferring the running of this service to Hanover is that should you require out of hours emergency repairs assistance, you will now be able to speak directly to one of Hanover Telecare’s team of trained operators who shall be on hand to answer your call. They will take the necessary details from you and if necessary will then arrange for a contractor to call.
There is no change to our Emergency Repairs Number:- 0800 592 276
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Fyne Homes have advised their tenants at their Harbour View development that the replacement of the sash and case windows to the front and corner elevations of the property will be carried out before Christmas.
The sash and case windows have been a major source of complaint from the tenants at No’s 7-14 Harbour View since the property came off-site in June 2004.
Although not within the conservation area, it was a planning condition for the Harbour View development that “white timber sliding sash and case windows” be installed due to the proximity of the Grade A Listed Burnett building.
Representations were made to the planning department by Fyne Homes architect in respect of the unsuitability of the sash and case window type however these were overruled.
Due to the exposed location of the development, the tenants have advised that during an east or north-easterly wind, the draughts within their homes were excessive and as such Fyne Homes undertook a survey of the residents to determine the level of the problem with 50% indicating their homes were cold – these being the residents who live in the properties on the exposed elevations of Hall Street and the corner of Hall Street/John Street.
The volume of complaints lead to local councillors and MSPs becoming involved and an enquiry made to the planning department indicated that a further planning application to replace the sash and case windows would most likely be supported and as such Fyne Homes submitted an application which was approved in December, 2008.
Funding of the works was the next problem and due to the turnaround in opinion regarding the planning condition by Argyll & Bute Council an application to the Strategic Housing Fund was made as it was felt by Fyne Homes committee that had our representations about the unsuitability of the specified window type been taken on board at the early stages of the development, Fyne Homes and our tenants would not have found ourselves in this position.
Unfortunately, this application was not successful and further enquiries regarding alternative sources of funding through Argyll & Bute Council were also fruitless.
As all avenues of funding were exhausted, Fyne Homes committee agreed that the tenants could not go through another winter dealing with the problem and as such tenders were sought for the required works.
Local contractor McKinven & Colville were successful and works to replace the ineffective sash and case windows will be completed before the end of December.
Janet McAlister, Fyne Homes Technical Services Director said “ it has been a long process to address the problems encountered by our tenants at Harbour View and Fyne Homes appreciate the patience shown by them. The fact that we are now installing the window type that was our original choice for the development is slightly galling, however our main aim is to ensure our tenants live in warm comfortable homes and I’m delighted that the replacement of the sash and case windows will resolve this ongoing issue”.
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 Alex Neil, MSP, Minister for Housing and Communities, paid a visit to Fyne Home's development site in Lochgilphead on 29th July.
Demolition works are due to begin early in September on the site, which was previously home to the old Lochgilphead High School and Mid Argyll Hospital, and is soon to be transformed into 89 new affordable homes for sale and for rent.
The development will be built over 2 phases with the first phase consisting of 44 units for rent,18 units for sale through 'Shared Equity' for first time buyers and 4 house plots for sale.
Over the next 2 years, £10 million of investment will go into the first phase with funding input from the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council. This will support the construction industry in Argyll, which is great news for the local community in terms of housing provision and the local economy. The proposals, designed by Oban-based architect CP, will be built by local contractor MacLeod's Construction.
Colin Renfrew, Fyne Home's Deputy Director stated:
"We are delighted to have reached the stage of being able to commence with the works on site. It has been a long process to get here and it has been made possible by the funding provided by the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council. We are looking forward to seeing the works underway and being able to provide the much needed quality housing for the Lochgilphead area."
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Fyne Homes shared their proposals for the former Lochgilphead High School site with local people last week.
Thirty people attended the open day to meet with Fyne Homes staff and view the plans for the site. Many of those present agreed that the planned development will inject a new lease of life in to the area, demonstrating the continued commitment displayed by Fyne Homes to provide quality homes for people living throughout Argyll and Bute.
There are currently over 700 people on the waiting-list for social housing in Mid Argyll with around 350 of those listed living in Lochgilphead. The development would help towards reducing this number.
As well as providing people with a greater opportunity to get their foot on the property ladder, the development, designed by Oban based architect CP Architects will also help to create a substantial number of jobs for the local community.
From the schemes inception Fyne Homes has involved the local contractor, M&K MacLeod in discussions regarding the scheme. By using only local contractors they are working hard to ensure that as much investment as possible stays within the local economy during these difficult financial times
Fyne Homes also revealed that a footpath route through the site, linking the North of the site with the South would be required. The existing path that currently connects the Blarbuie Road entrance to the South West of the site will be retained, however, the path may be closed for public use in the interest of safety and the effective management of the site during the development.
Peter McDonald, new business director at Fyne Homes said: “The feedback which we have received from the public about the proposed development of the former Lochgilphead High school site has been really positive. It is important that we engage with the public to make sure they have the opportunity to share their views with us. We really value their opinions.
“We are determined to help regenerate rural Scotland and to meet the needs of local people and support the local economy. This proposed development will allow us to continue to fulfil these aims.”
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Fyne Homes is staging an open day on Thursday 18th June at the Pavilion in Rothesay from 2.00pm until 5.00pm to give locals a chance to meet some of the partner organisations that the housing association works closely with.
Fyne Homes has worked with many organisations and community groups, engaging with local communities and helping to regenerate the area. Fyne Initiatives – a subsidiary company of Fyne Homes, has played an active role in delivering social enterprise activities and developing sustainable communities throughout the area.
The Bute Produce scheme is just one example of the highly successfully initiatives which have been implemented, increasing the availability of affordable and sustainable produce to Islanders.
The housing association is extending their invitation to the open day to all locals and welcomes any questions for them or their partners to answer.
Partners attending the event will include , HELP Project, Bute Advice Centre, Bute Healthy Living, Argyll College, Argyll Training, Homestart, Job Centre Plus, Argyll & Bute Council’s Tele-care and many, many more.
Marie Bowie, Housing Director of Fyne Homes said: “We are looking forward to our open day and hope that as many locals can come along as possible and give us their feedback.
“We really value our tenants’ thoughts and we want to involve them as much as possible in the decisions which we make. We view ourselves as part of the community and we want to work to meet the interests and the needs of our tenants.”
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Fyne Home’s subsidiary company, Fyne Initiatives Ltd, has been commended in the Affordable Housing category at the 2009 Scottish Design Awards held recently in Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza hotel.
This fantastic achievement recognises the innovative Eachaig housing development in Kilmun aimed at first time home buyers to help them get their foot on the property ladder.
Designed by Iain Campbell of Oban-based CP Architects, the houses have been built using Scottish timbers for structural frame and Larch cladding. The homes are heated by wood-burning stoves, supplied by Oban based Backswoodsman, and feature outdoor wood stores for drying fuel.
The wood burning stoves provide space heating together with a back boiler to assist with hot water backed up by an immersion heater. Limited electric panel heaters are located to ground floor with wiring only installed to upper bedrooms.
South west facing windows have also been installed enabling all bedrooms and living areas plentiful natural daylight and stunning views across the Holy Loch.
To maximize heat retention Scottish-sourced mineral wool manufactured using recycled glass has been used as insulation within the double timber studded external walls and at ceiling level, further increasing the energy efficiency of the homes.
Fyne Initiatives also worked closely with Dunoon contractor John Brown (Strone) Ltd to complete the project and address local housing needs in Argyll and Bute.
Peter McDonald, new business director at Fyne Homes, said: “We are delighted that Fyne Initiative’s development in Kilmun has been recognised at a national level, recognising the great work carried out by local businesses. We are committed to providing quality, environmentally sustainable housing for locals in Argyll and Bute, as shown at our Kilmun development.
“This recent commendation highlights that we can compete against the best in our industry and gives us the incentive to ensure we maintain a high standard across all our housing developments.”
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Fyne Initiatives - the subsidiary group of Fyne Homes has launched two new housing projects in Argyll and Bute, to help give locals the chance to get on the property ladder.
These exciting housing projects will provide local people, especially first time buyers, with the opportunity to purchase an affordable, quality new home through the shared equity scheme Fyne First
Tigh-Na-Cladach, by Innellan, Cowal is a 14 home development which overlooks the scenic Firth of Clyde. As well as spectacular views each home is built to PassivHaus principles with some having their own private roof-top garden.
The second development, The Old Courthouse, is located in the heart of Rothesay with views over the Castle. The historic Rothesay council and sheriff court building has been refurbished to provide 25 new flats, each retaining unique characteristics and features.
The innovative shared equity system allows local people with the means to purchase their own home. The buyer purchases a majority share of the property, between 60% - 80% and only pays a mortgage on their share, no additional rent is payable.
In 2008, Fyne Homes helped 29 new home owners obtain a mortgage in areas including Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead and Rothesay through the shared equity scheme
Alan McDougall, director of Fyne Homes said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of two more local, affordable housing projects for the area. The social and economic growth of the area is key to boosting the community.
“The shared equity scheme provides locals with an alternative way of getting a mortgage in the current economic climate. We have helped people to get onto the property ladder in a time when many struggle to finance this move.”
For more information on Shared Equity and to register your interest click HERE.
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An archaeological dig commissioned by Fyne Homes has uncovered a rare ceramic face mask jug dating back to the thirteenth century.
The jug, which is not a common find in the west coast of Scotland, was found on the site of the former Rothesay Council Chambers and Sheriff Court buildings in Central Rothesay, which Fyne Homes is set to develop into 25 affordable homes as part of a £6m investment package.
Rathmell Archaeology Ltd was commissioned to undertake a programme of archaeological works on behalf of Fyne Homes before building work commenced at the site as a condition of the planning consent.for the site.
Given the significance of the buildings and their location adjacent to Rothesay Castle, a comprehensive archaeological dig took place behind the High Street façade last October, with an aim to discover more about the history of Rothesay.
The report into this most recent excavation which has just been published also revealed fragments of ceramics, metalwork and the face mask jug were found, providing an insight into the life of those living in the medieval burgh of Rothesay.
The items have now been recovered and will be surrendered to the Crown who will decide where they will be housed.
A previous dig on the site in 2006 also carried out by Rathmell for Fyne Homes revealed two small sandstone walls and a compact layer of mortar interpreted as a possible floor which also contained fragments of medieval green glaze pottery prompted this further exploration.
Other previous excavations carried out have uncovered evidence of prehistoric settlement in the area. Layers of archaeological remains dating back to the thirteenth and fourteenth century were revealed in the ancient market area of Rothesay which was known to be in the High Street,
Alan McDougall, director of Fyne Homes said: “We are all excited about the findings which have been uncovered on the former site of the Rothesay Council Chambers and Sheriff Court buildings. Although Fyne Homes are committed to redeveloping Rothesay and breathing new life into the area it is still important that we remember that it is an ancient Royal Burgh with a rich and dynamic historical past and this excavation has given us the chance of a lifetime to help further our understanding of how Rothesay grew and developed.”
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