Thirty people have moved into new homes in Inverness but their developer has warned funding cuts may stop new builds being as common in future.

The development in Westercraigs is the biggest Albyn Housing Society, an affordable housing provider, has developed in recent years.

It consists of 42 two, three and four bed properties, for sale and rent. Keys have been handed over to tenants for the first 12 homes, with the remaining 30 units set for completion next month.

Sandy MacKenzie, 57, gladly received the keys to his new home in Portree Terrace.


He said: "I am thrilled with my new house. The finish to the house is excellent and it’s so spacious it's ideal. I have recently taken up painting and there is so much space there for me to spread out all my supplies."

But Albyn said it may not be able to provide such large numbers of affordable homes in future.

Chief Executive Calum Macaulay said: "We are delighted to welcome our new tenants to Westercraigs.

"However, with funding at an all time low our future provision of new builds looks extremely challenging. This is worrying, but as one of the larger housing associations, we will continue to do our best to keep up with the increasing demand.

"This development is the result of a successful relationship with the infrastructure, support services and construction group Robertson, the Highland Council and the Highland Housing Alliance."

The project has been part funded by a £2.8m Housing Association Grant provided by the Scottish Government.

(NE)