A special ceremony was held to unveil the 28 homes for rent and 12 'shared equity' properties in Alloway Court, Kirkintilloch.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: "Affordable housing is much needed in East Dunbartonshire and is a priority for this council."

The 12 shared equity properties are funded through the Scottish Executive's LIFT initiative, which allows applicants on lower incomes to buy the majority share - normally between 51 and 80 per cent of the house's value.

More than 200 applications were received for the 'Homestake' properties and all were sold prior to completion.

Councillor Geekie said: "We are pleased to be working with our partners to deliver affordable homes throughout the area.

"The fact that they were all sold prior to completion demonstrates the demand for this type of development.

"It is excellent news that Alloway Court, the first phase in our affordable housing developments, is now complete and that we can move forward on the other sites which have been identified."

The houses are the first in a series of developments from Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association and Lothian Homes, which will provide 107 affordable properties across the district.

East Dunbartonshire Council, Cruden Estates and Communities Scotland are also involved in the project.

Alister Steele, Castle Rock managing director, said the development was the result of an innovative approach between the public and private sectors and a housing association.

He added: "We look forward to moving on site with the next phases of the affordable housing development plan at Bearsden, Bishopbriggs and Milton of Campsie."