WORK has been completed on the build of a £2.7 million housing development in Dornoch by Albyn and Springfield.
The delivery of the homes is part of a wider programme by Albyn, which is building 600 new affordable homes by 2030 to combat the Highland housing challenge. The local housing provider has a long-standing partnership with Springfield.
Tenants have already moved into their homes which consist of one bedroom flats and two, three and four bedroom houses, including bungalows. Eight of the homes are for social rent, with four set aside for mid-market rent and are part of a wider development of homes built by Springfield.
The homes are highly energy efficient and use air source heat pumps for heating and hot water. Tenants receive one-to-one support and guidance on how to use the system most effectively from energy specialists at Changeworks.
The Scottish Government supported the development with £1.68m in funding, with the remainder privately financed by Albyn Housing Society.
Albyn’s chief executive, Maureen Knight, said, “These new homes respond to local housing needs and provide much needed affordable rents in some of the most rural parts of the country. It’s fantastic to have had such great feedback on the high quality finish from tenants who are all settling into their homes.
“Albyn Housing Society is committed to playing our part in responding to the Highland housing challenge and this development in Dornoch is just a small part of our plans to build 600 new homes by 2030. Right now, we have new homes being built across the Highlands including in Ullapool, Conon Bridge and Inverness with plans for many more.”
David Green, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland, and Ross, added, “Scotland faces a housing emergency, and we know the challenge is even more acute in rural areas such as the Highlands. Too often we see young people forced to leave their communities and businesses struggle to recruit because of a shortage of housing.
“That is why it is so encouraging to see more high-quality homes with affordable rents being completed in Dornoch. I will work with Albyn, other housing providers, and the Scottish Government throughout this Parliament to ensure the far north of Scotland gets the homes we need to thrive.”
Springfield Partnerships MD, Tom Leggeat, commented, “We have a longstanding relationship with Albyn, and these homes in Dornoch are the latest high quality, affordable homes we’ve delivered together for people who need them.
“We all recognise the need for more homes in Scotland, most notably in the North of Scotland, to support investment, retain our workforce and ensure we have good places for people to live. Partnerships like this play a vital role in making this happen.”
