Places for People Scotland to deliver 500 new homes in landmark Orkney partnership

Places for People (PfP) Scotland has announced a landmark partnership with Orkney Islands Council to deliver up to 500 new homes over the next decade – becoming the first national housing association to build in the islands. 

Regularly ranked among the best places to live in the UK, Orkney’s growing popularity has impacted the availability and price of homes, leaving some locals struggling to buy or rent. 

The new partnership will tackle that challenge head-on. Around 60% of the homes will be affordable, supporting Orkney Islands Council’s target of delivering 1,035 new homes by 2034 and ensuring local people can stay and thrive in the Communities they love.  

With over 50 years’ experience in delivering affordable, sustainable homes across Scotland, PfP Scotland will combine national expertise with local insight to create housing that reflects Orkney’s unique Communities, environment, and economy. 

Working alongside Orkney Islands Council and other local housing stakeholders, the programme will deliver a mix of social rent, mid-market rent, and home ownership options across key development sites - boosting choice and availability for people living and working in Orkney. 

The investment will also create opportunities for local building firms, boosting jobs, skills, and the construction sector across Orkney.  

Andrew Usher, Group Managing Director for Regeneration and Development at Places for People, said: “We’re proud to be joining forces with Orkney Islands Council to help deliver the quality and mix of homes that local people need and deserve.  

“This partnership is about more than just building houses – it’s about strengthening Communities. We’re committed to working closely with the Council, local contractors and suppliers to ensure that the investment in new homes also supports jobs, skills and the local economy.  

“No one should be priced out of the place they call home. That’s why tackling the housing crisis means building the right homes in the right places and the most remote parts of the UK need investment as much as anywhere else. Through this partnership, we aim to create homes that help people stay and thrive in Orkney’s unique and vibrant Communities.”

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “Lack of available housing is without a doubt the biggest challenge facing Orkney. The scale of the challenge facing us required decisive and bold action – and today’s announcement of Places for People Scotland entering the market in Orkney is the result of months of work by our local housing team.   

“We are delighted that Places for People Scotland have come on board to support local providers in building more housing in Orkney – ensuring that more homes are available for more people.   

“The addition of Places for People Scotland to the local partnership will provide additional strength to the existing local partnership in order to meet the ambitious vision we have to deliver Orkney’s housing needs.  

“Building new homes is such a critical element of retaining and attracting essential workers to support Orkney’s communities and economy – including young people within our community who are looking to move out of their parents’ home and to rent or to get on the housing ladder.  

“Orkney Islands Council, OHAL, local development trusts and now Places for People Scotland are committed to working with the local construction industry through the relevant procurement process of building houses – helping to create local work and boosting the local economy.”