First Minister visits MAKAR to address Scotland Highland housing concerns

Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, visited our workshop and prototype home near Inverness.

He saw first-hand what it looks like to build a net zero home that is affordable to both build and heat, and to a standard people are proud to live in.

"What I learned at MAKAR today is two important things. Firstly, that we can improve house design and do that in an affordable way that has a benefit for the long term of the individual residents.

Secondly, that there are ways in which we can apply innovation and creativity to make sure that we succeed in our housing objectives a great deal more quickly than we might ordinarily believe was the case.

So that's what I've learnt today, and I think it's a great contribution from MAKAR's innovation in the housing market in Scotland."

Scotland is facing a housing emergency. We believe one answer lies in our forests, local supply chains and innovative design.

The prototype is a Paradigm home, part of our Optima range. It can be assembled to wind and watertight stage in a single week. It runs on modelled heating costs of around £5 per week. It's built from natural materials and Scottish timber.

We're delighted that the First Minister and Emma Roddick, candidate for the Highlands and Islands, made the trip to Inverness to support local innovative businesses like ours.

During the visit, Emma said, “Let’s make sure that the council is able to support green businesses like Makar to build affordable homes."

Find out more about the Paradigm home: www.makar.co.uk/paradigm