LOCAL social landlord, Eildon Housing, has confirmed work will begin next month on a further 10 new family homes in the Borders.

And they hope research from their green-building revolution will lead to even better eco-friendly homes in the future.

With the completion of three Passivhaus houses at Springfield Place in St Boswells over the next few weeks, attentions will turn to a similar 10-house development in Westruther.

Two families from each development will provide regular feedback regarding their new homes.

And the findings will help shape future projects.

Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon, believes there is high demand for the eco-friendly three- and two-bedroom properties.

He said: "Built to Passivhaus standard, the homes generally need 90 percent less energy for heating and hot water than standard buildings with very low running costs.

"This is another stride towards our fight against fuel poverty.

"Westruther is one of four developments forming Eildon’s green pilot which will see up to 50 new green homes built using different building methods.

"Working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre and Glasgow School of Art the pilot will compare construction costs, time to build and the experience of tenants living in the homes."

The Westruther homes are expected to ready for new tenants by the spring of 2021.

Mr Istephan added: "We will be looking to work closely with two families at each of the green projects to for a period of time when they move in.

"The results will be used to determine not only the future building programme for Eildon, but also lead the way for how Scottish homes are built and lived in, in the future. "