DITT Construction Breaks New Ground with Mid-Market Housing in Shetland
Deal News | Nov 28, 2024 | Scottish National Investment Bank Plc

The Scottish National Investment Bank has announced a strategic investment of £730,000 in DITT Construction Ltd to support the development of six mid-market rental properties in Lerwick, Shetland. These properties are designed to meet the demand for affordable housing among key workers and young professionals, a need identified by the Shetland Island Council. The project highlights DITT's commitment to community development and its shift toward employee ownership. This aligns with the Scottish National Investment Bank's mission of impact investing to address crucial socio-economic challenges in Scotland. The mid-market rental homes are expected to become the islands' first such tenure, addressing the concerns of affordable housing scarcity impacting retention of talent, particularly in essential services like healthcare. The homes are engineered to high environmental standards, linking to the local heat network and achieving an EPC B rating. Upon completion, they will be acquired by the Shetland Island Council and managed as rental accommodations. DITT Construction has also made a separate investment of £400,000 into this project, further exemplifying its commitment to local socio-economic development and sustainable employment practices.
Sectors
- Real Estate
- Investment Banking
- Construction
Geography
- Scotland – All entities involved are based in Scotland, with the project targeting housing needs specific to Shetland.
Industry
- Real Estate – Relevant due to the investment in the construction of mid-market rental homes.
- Investment Banking – The investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank aligns with the sector focused on housing and impact investing.
- Construction – Relevant because DITT Construction Ltd is a construction firm building the housing project.
Financials
- £730,000 – Investment amount provided by Scottish National Investment Bank to DITT Construction.
- £400,000 – Additional investment amount committed by DITT Construction into the housing project.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Scottish National Investment Bank Plc | Investor | Company | Provides investment to support the development of the mid-market rental homes. |
DITT Construction Ltd | Construction Company | Company | Tasked with developing the mid-market rental homes; has shifted to employee ownership. |
Shetland Island Council | Potential Buyer and Local Authority | Government | Identified housing needs in Shetland and will purchase and manage the completed rental homes. |
Peter Tait | Managing Director of DITT Construction Ltd | Person | Provides insights into the rationale behind DITT's strategic direction and community commitment. |
Alastair McMillen | Associate Director of Sustainable Investment | Person | Represents the Bank’s perspective on its impact investment strategy. |