Grampian Housing Association (HA) has officially opened its 3,000th property in north-east Scotland.

The opening ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the HA, in which over the last 40 years Grampian has increased its portfolio from 31 properties to 3,545 properties.

Margaret Burgess MSP, Minister for Housing and Welfare, officially opened the Association's latest development of flats for rent at Spencer Court in Aberdeen.

The minister declared the affordable housing flats open along with Gordon Edwards, Chairman of Grampian HA and Neil Clapperton, Chief Executive of Grampian HA.

The Association has received over £1m of funding from the Scottish Government along with a grant of £121,360 from Aberdeen City Council.

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The £2m Spencer Court development was completed in partnership with Barratt Homes.

The project in Froghall Terrace provides 19 one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat.

The development is part of the council's Strategic Infrastructure Plan (SIP) agreed with the Scottish Government.

Froghall Terrace contributes to the overall council target to provide 2,030 new affordable homes in Aberdeen by 2017.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "The Scottish Government has invested over £1m in this development, which is aimed at single people and couples seeking affordable housing close to Aberdeen city centre.

"Housing associations, such as Grampian Housing Association, have a critical part to play in meeting the basic need for individuals and families to have somewhere safe, warm and affordable to live. As landlords they have helped to transform housing and places and have helped to create opportunities for individuals and families."

Gordon Edwards, chair of Grampian Housing Association said: "Over the past 40 years we have worked hard to lead the sector in the development of significant affordable homes in Aberdeen and the wider area. There is still work to be done, but today's 3,000th social rent property marks a significant moment for us."

(LM)