Scotland's first large-scale affordable modular housing development has been completed within budget and one month ahead of schedule.

The ground-breaking £9.8million project was successfully delivered by Riverside Scotland and Connect Modular, part of The Wee House Group, and will provide 63 high-quality, low energy, affordable homes in Dundonald, South Ayrshire.

The development has helped to sustain 60 local jobs with the energy efficient new homes built offsite at Connect Modular's manufacturing facility in Cumnock, Ayrshire.

And the homes have also helped to inspire the next generation of construction workers after Hector Hodge from Dundonald became fascinated by the scheme over the past year as he walked past the new housing development on his way to nursery.

The modular homes are 90% complete when they depart the factory with kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics installed, leading to a significantly shorter build programme and earlier occupancy.

In comparison to a traditional build project, fabrication under factory conditions improves quality, reduces waste, negates the impacts of adverse weather and allows for overlap of site preparation and build phases – a more efficient process all round.

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The Dundonald development has given Hector a glimpse into the future of Scotland's construction industry and led to him being made guest of honour at a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of this innovative housing development.

Aspiring builder, Hector was cheered on by his dad, David, managing director of Riverside Scotland, Diana MacLean and Jennifer Higgins, managing director of Connect Modular as he cut a ribbon to mark the completion of the innovative development ahead of schedule.

David said: "We live in the village and having a live building site on our doorstep has been a dream for Hector. A real highlight for Hector was seeing the modules arrive on a convoy of lorries and be craned into position. He was fascinated with the process! He is mad about diggers and it's been a real joy to visit the site with him and watch him bond with the workers.

"We were honoured to be asked to officially open the new homes. It's a lovely memory for Hector to look back on when he's older, and possibly working in construction, having been so inspired by this development. These homes were much-needed in the village and its lovely to see new faces and welcome our new neighbours to the community."

Jennifer Higgins, managing director at Connect Modular, added: "We are thrilled to hand over this *award-winning development ahead of schedule. Riverside Scotland's willingness to embrace this evolution in construction on a large-scale project brings us a huge step closer to a housing stock that will achieve a Net Zero Scotland by 2045.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to welcome Hector and David to the site throughout the project. It's wonderful to see how inspired and interested Hector is in construction. He struck up a real friendship with our site manager, Archie Stobbs and his visits always brightened up our day. You never know, our youngest ever apprentice may join us for real some day!"

*The development was highly commended in the Green Housing Category at The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2022 and has been shortlisted in both the Working in Partnership Category & Excellence in Affordable Housing Category at The Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland Awards 2022.