The Scottish Government demonstrated its commitment to the future of Moray today when Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil announced a multimillion pound affordable housing project in Forres.

Jointly funded by the Scottish Government and Grampian Housing Association, the £6.35 million development at Balnageith will provide a total of 53 affordable rented homes, seven of which will be designed specifically for families with sensory and physical disabilities.

Mr Neil said: "This development will provide the Moray region with 53 new affordable homes backed by £3.778 million of funding from the Scottish Government. It will help to provide certainty and stability for the future.

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"This is a clear indication of the Scottish Government's ongoing commitment to the region both in terms of housing need and the local economy. The recent defence announcement has brought a great deal of uncertainty to the Moray area and the presence of the RAF bases in the region."

Chairman of Moray Council Communities Committee, Cllr Eric McGillivray, said the area had attracted significant investment in social housing.

"We are currently in the middle of building a large number of council houses throughout Moray, the first for 25 years," he said.

"This development means that even more people, particularly those with specific requirements, will be able to live independently and enjoy a better quality of life."

Neil Clapperton, Acting Chief Executive of Grampian Housing Association, said: "All communities need quality affordable housing and we are delighted with the Scottish Government's further investment in Forres.

"Building on our successful partnership with The Moray Council and Springfield Properties we will be able to provide more homes for rent and in turn contribute to meeting the housing needs of a range of client groups including families and people with disabilities. "

(GK)