A number of new affordable homes are to be constructed in Inverness in the Highlands, it has been announced.

The £1m project will not only help those in need of housing, but will provide a boost to the local construction sector and wider economy, Finance Secretary John Swinney has said.

A total of nine properties will be built at Balvonie Braes. They will be delivered by Albyn Housing Society, through the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative.

When complete they will be made available for rent at mid-market rates, for a minimum of five years.

Welcoming the scheme, Mr Swinney said: "This deal for new affordable homes for rent in Inverness brings the total number of homes delivered under NHT in the Highlands to over 175, and provides a further boost to the local construction sector, which is already benefiting from our support for affordable housing development.


"The Scottish Government's total investment in affordable housing across the Highlands and Islands in 2015-16 will amount to almost £30 million, with the Highlands receiving over £16 million of this total. This comes on top of the £63 million investment across the Highlands and Islands in the period 2012-13 to 2014-15.

"Not only is this investment helping support jobs, but it is also providing people and families with access to good quality, affordable homes where they can be safe and warm."

Douglas Russell, Chair of Albyn Housing Society, added: "Albyn is pleased to be at the forefront of delivering new models of affordable housing supply, once again. There is huge demand for housing in Inverness at all tiers of the market, and by developing new and innovative schemes such as the NHT initiative we can assist more people to secure quality affordable accommodation and make the next steps towards home ownership.

"This £1 million project at Balvonie Braes will also provide a welcome boost to the region's construction industry by employing local contractors. At Albyn Housing Society we aim to build strong communities, not just quality homes, and by supporting local jobs the project will bring benefit to the local community, even before we hand the keys over later next year."

(JP/MH)