The construction of almost 60 new council homes has been completed in Peterhead and Oldmeldrum, marking the end of Aberdeenshire Council's sixth phase of new build housing.

In Peterhead, 31 new properties at Dales View Drive and Ruby Crescent were formally launched on Friday, September 27 as school pupils and tenants joined the council and contractors CHAP Construction to mark completion of the development.

Dales Park School pupils had chosen the name Ruby Crescent as part of the school's own 40th anniversary.

The Peterhead homes - all for social rent - feature a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom flats, houses, and a bungalow, with some having been adapted for tenants with particular needs including accessibility.

The development was completed in May to a high specification and design and is rated at a 'Bronze Active' Scottish building standard in terms of energy efficiency.

A further 26 properties have been constructed at Meadowside, Oldmeldrum, featuring a similar mix of homes as those in Peterhead.

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The official launch at Peterhead was led by Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson, with attendees including Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart MSP, Communities Committee chair Cllr Anne Stirling and representatives of contractors CHAP Construction. 

Provost Howatson said: "It has been very pleasing to see these completed properties in Peterhead and to meet some of the tenants who are already living in them. 

"The homes are attractive and built to a high standard, and I wish everybody who lives in them many happy years as part of the local communities."

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "It is clear these quality, energy efficient homes will help improve the lives of new tenants by meeting their specific needs.

"This development will enhance and integrate the community in Peterhead, and it is a testament to the strong partnership working between Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Government.

"We want to make sure that everyone in Scotland has a warm, safe, affordable place to live. Projects like this, supported by our affordable housing investment of £3.3 billion, are keeping us on track to deliver 50,000 affordable homes by 2021, of which 35,000 are for social rent."

Councillor Anne Stirling said: "Our phased approach to house-building means that we now have a steady stream of homes appearing across Aberdeenshire. 

"This aligns with affordable housing being a key priority for Aberdeenshire Council and we continue to work to increase delivery by seeking additional development opportunities."

All the homes at Peterhead and Oldmeldrum were built as part of phase six of Aberdeenshire Council's new build housing programme, under which around £22.5million was invested, including Scottish Government funding of around £7.7million, in the construction of a total of 151 properties. 

Work has already begun on phases seven and eight of the programme, which will see around a further 115 homes built by the end of the 2021/22 financial year.

(MH/JG)