HRH The Princess Royal opened a new affordable housing development in Leith today (Friday January 13).

The Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) 60-flat Quayside development at Coburg Street comprises a mix of 44 social rented and 16 shared ownership properties. 

HRH The Princess Royal visited the home of Robert Gilchrist, who recently moved into his two bedroom apartment overlooking the Water of Leith with his 17-year-old son Liam.

Robert, 48, a development worker at an autism charity, said:

"HRH The Princess Royal certainly puts people at ease and I really enjoyed the whole experience of giving her a tour around my home.

"I wanted to be on the property ladder and shared ownership was a good option for me."

She toured the property before joining a reception in Coburg House Art Studios and unveiling a plaque which will be displayed at the property's Quayside entrance.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said:

"It is an honour to have HRH The Princess Royal officially open our new development and meet with some of our residents and with the people involved in the project.

"The issue of affordable housing is now at its most pressing for a generation. This comes at a time where funding constraints are ever-present. It is important that in these testing times, we are innovative in order to try and tackle the mounting housing shortages which we are faced with."

Before its completion, Quayside was highly commended at the Scottish Home Awards in the Small Affordable Housing Development category and the 16 shared ownership properties sold out within a month of being released back in January 2011 with PoLHA receiving around 60 applications to purchase a share.

Cllr Paul Edie, Housing Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

"This development will provide 60 badly-needed homes for couples and families and demonstrates our commitment to increasing the number of affordable properties in the capital. This year alone we have approved 1,500 homes for building which will lead to nearly £300m investment and support more than 2,000 jobs in the construction and related industries and services."