Launched in April last year, and funded by Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Government, local contractors R&D Construction Group Ltd have already built the first 28 properties.
Built to an exceptionally high construction standard, the incoming DGHP tenants will benefit from their personally designed kitchen, energy saving heating systems coupled with the maximum home insulation making not only an efficient home to run but also one with all modern facilities.
Showing the Minister her new home DGHP tenant Mary Burns said she looks forward to moving in soon.
Mary said: "I was thrilled to show the Minister for Housing and Communities around my new home. It will make such a difference to me to have a home with a nicely fitted kitchen, up and downstairs bathroom facilities and the big bonus for me is reduced heating costs.
DGHP chairman John Potts said: "This Neighbourhood Ren-ewal Programme is without doubt one of the best things to have happened in Stranraer in recent times."
Council Leader Ivor Hyslop said: "Great progress has been made on site and I am very impressed with both the design and finishing of the homes.
"In addition to the renewal of homes, this £77 million investment is also being successfully used as a catalyst for creating training and employment opportunities."
Introducing the latest four trainees to the Minister, chairman and chief executive of R&D Construction Group Ltd John Hume said: "These particular trainees worked hard during the course and have now been rewarded with full-time jobs with R&D and our sub contractors Harte."
Summing up his visit, Mr Neil said: "I am delighted that this impressive development in Stranraer will provide much-needed affordable housing for the people of Dumfries and Galloway."
But Stranraer and North Rhins Councillor Willie Scobie has appealed to the SNP Government to commit further investment in the Dick's Hill area, saying many more houses are in need of "urgent attention".
He said: "I am pleased Alex Neil visited Stranraer to see for himself the benefits of Labour's investment in our area. The previous Scottish Executive's £64 million regeneration package has made a real difference to Dick's Hill.
"However, the SNP Government need to hurry up and finish the job. I call on Mr Neil to equal Labour's commitment to the people of Stranraer and use his visit to announce further investment to allow work to continue on the remaining houses in the Dick's Hill area that require attention.
"It is unfair that some people in Dick's Hill have been unable to benefit from the regeneration project.
"The Minister cannot ignore the many houses in the area that are in urgent need of renewal."
AN ASTHMA suffer is set to sue Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partner-ship after trying for four years to get damp-proofing.
Angela Copland, 46, who lives with her husband at 6 Murrayfield Avenue, took her protest to Mr Neil when he visited Dick's Hill.
But Mrs Copeland's home, right across the road, is outside the present scheme.
She said: "The matter is now in the hands of my solicitor. I'm going to sue, I've had enough of them.
"I've been fighting DGHP for four year to get something done about the dampness. It's up the walls and there is an awful smell as well. I've had environmental health here to inspect the house as I was feeling so unwell.
"After that, there was work done by DGHP in October. We moved out for a few days so they put sand and a plastic sheeting under the house and putting air vents and extractors fans in all around the house. But they have been in for six months and they are no good and I've got to pay for the expense of running them.I don't smoke of drink so I should be healthy. The only option they have given me is an exchange. But I don't want to do that as I like it here and doing that may get me out of my situation but they are just going to move another family into a damp house.All I want is a home that's fit for living."