THE demise of housebuilder Stewart Milne Group is “very concerning”, according to a county-based MSP.

South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy was “very disappointed” that the Aberdeen-based developer had entered into administration earlier this week.

Stewart Milne has developments at The Orchard, East Linton; Letham Views, Haddington; and Castle Gardens, Pencaitland.

Mr Hoy (Conservative) said: “This will be a very concerning time for those who have recently bought a Stewart Milne home in East Lothian.

“It will also be concerning for those preparing for a move to a new home which is presently under construction.

“This will also be unsettling for those who work for the company and their contractors.

“I advise residents at the affected sites in East Linton, Haddington and Pencaitland who have outstanding work to contact the developer for more information and I stand ready to provide any advice or support.”

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East Lothian’s MP Kenny MacAskill shared Mr Hoy’s fears. The ALBA Party member said: “It’s very concerning, and I can understand the alarm for those who have bought homes, never mind those working for them.

“We need assurance NHBC (National House Building Council) certificates will provide protection, as pursuing administrators will be a forlorn task.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said talks were ongoing about the future of affected housing sites in the county and they were “continuing to assess” the impact on the local authority.

“Although all affordable units that were being built by Stewart Milne Homes on our behalf at East Linton have been completed, there may be an impact in terms of any snagging issues with these properties falling to the council to put right,” they added.

“We will also be working with the administrators and council colleagues to look at any outstanding work regarding road and infrastructure completions on Stewart Milne sites in East Linton and Pencaitland.”