Trust completes transformation of Manse Gardens in Strachur
We have completed the transformation of Manse Gardens in Strachur, bringing the former sheltered housing development back into full use as 16 modern, highly energy-efficient homes.
The redevelopment gives Manse Gardens a new long-term future following several years of uncertainty after revenue funding was withdrawn in 2017.
Originally made up of 21 predominantly small studio bungalows and communal facilities that were no longer fit for purpose, the development had become largely underoccupied.
Since 2022, we have worked closely with our customers, Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government and our project partners to retain the homes while reshaping the development to better meet local housing needs.
The completion of the redevelopment was formally marked at an opening event on 7 October.
Creating homes for the future
Work began in spring 2025, with five studio bungalows selectively removed to create a new communal open space at the heart of the development. The remaining studio homes were extended and all 16 properties comprehensively refurbished.
Manse Gardens now provides a mix of 16 general needs homes, including:
- 13 one-bedroom properties
- two two-bedroom homes
- one three-bedroom family home
All 16 homes have now been allocated. Six of our existing customers have returned to Manse Gardens following completion of the work, with new residents joining them to create a renewed community.
Making Manse Gardens more energy efficient
The regeneration has also significantly improved the environmental performance of the development.
New insulation, high heat-retention electric storage heating, solar panels and battery storage have been introduced as part of an extensive programme of energy-efficiency improvements.
All 16 homes have now achieved EPC Band A, making Manse Gardens one of our most energy-efficient developments.
By retaining and upgrading much of the existing housing rather than demolishing and rebuilding the entire development, we have also reduced the carbon impact of the project while preserving much-needed affordable homes within the rural community.
A thoughtful approach to regeneration
Jackie McIntosh, Chief Executive at Trust, said:
“Regeneration is not about starting again. At Manse Gardens, the right answer was to recognise the potential in what was already there, reshape it around local housing need and invest properly in its long-term future.
“That approach has allowed us to retain much-needed homes in Strachur, welcome existing customers back to a place they know, and create a development that performs to an exceptionally high environmental standard.
“What is particularly important is that this is not merely a refurbishment of buildings. Manse Gardens now works differently as a place. There is a better mix of homes, a more open layout and shared outdoor space, and every property has been brought up to a standard that will serve customers well for years to come.
“It is an example of the kind of thoughtful regeneration that can protect existing housing, reduce environmental impact and deliver something genuinely better for the community.”
With limited temporary housing available locally, we worked closely with the six existing customers throughout the redevelopment, including arranging accommodation at nearby Hunter’s Quay Holiday Park while the extensive works were carried out. All six have since returned to their refurbished homes.
Working in partnership
The works were delivered by Argyll and Bute-based TSL Contractors Limited. We were also supported in the design and delivery of the project by ABC Architects, NBM Construction Cost Consultants, Carbon Futures, Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects, McDonald & Cameron Ltd and Green Home Systems Limited.
The regeneration was funded by Trust Housing Association, with support from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, Argyll & Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund and ECO4 grant funding.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Social Justice and Housing Secretary, said:
“The opening of the Strachur housing development is a significant milestone for this rural community. The refurbishment has not only retained much-needed affordable homes for the area, but has also delivered high environmental standards, helping to reduce energy costs for residents while supporting our net zero ambitions.
“It is particularly pleasing to see both returning and new residents making their homes here, creating a thriving and sustainable community at the heart of Manse Gardens.
“This development has been supported through our Affordable Housing Supply Programme, which is helping to deliver affordable homes across the country. This year we are investing £926 million in the Programme, with Argyll and Bute receiving over £20 million.”
Cllr Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said:
“The regeneration of Manse Gardens shows what can be achieved when partners work together to secure the long-term future of housing in our rural communities.
“By investing in the existing development rather than losing these homes, the project has created high-quality, sustainable housing that responds to local need while retaining an important source of affordable homes in Strachur.
“It is particularly encouraging to see a development that had faced an uncertain future brought back into full use, with existing residents returning and new households now making Manse Gardens their home.”
Recognition for Manse Gardens
Manse Gardens has also been shortlisted in the Excellence in Regeneration and Sustainability category at the 2026 CIH Scotland Housing Awards, with the winners due to be announced on 13 November.