Tenants have been welcomed to their new homes in Kirk Brae, Inverness, by councillor Trish Robertson.

The new development comprises 27 two and one-bed apartments, located on a site above the Smithton and Culloden Free Church. Approximately 21 of the properties are for rent and 6 are for the low-cost initiative for first time buyers (LIFT).

Ms Robertson visited the site along with staff from Highland Council's Inverness housing management and development teams to welcome the tenants.

Kyrena MacKay, who lives with her son on-site, said: "My new home has given me security and a place to bring up my son which we can call ours. I was lucky as I grew up in this area so already feel at home. You couldn't put a price on the view either, I really am blessed."

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The development, commissioned by The Highland Council's Development and Infrastructure Service, was designed by Bracewell Stirling (Architects) and local company Compass Building and Construction carried out the construction works which started on site in March last year.

The homes are well insulated and have gas combi boilers which provide instant hot water and heating. There are also photo-voltaic panels on the roof which generate electricity to keep the tenants' fuel costs low.

The £3.2m project received £1.4m grant funding from the Scottish Government, with the remaining money coming from Highland Council. 

Ward Councillor and Vice Chair of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson added: "The Council is committed to working with the Scottish Government, Housing Associations and the private sector to provide people with well-built, energy efficient homes. I'm particularly pleased to see a neglected area of scrub land that was becoming an eye-sore be transformed to create much needed affordable top quality houses. 

"We hope Kyrena and all the people moving into Kirk Brae enjoy many happy years in their new homes."

(CM)