Aberdeenshire Council has marked the completion of five housing developments in Fraserburgh and Huntly. The projects, which include both refurbished and new-build homes, were delivered over the past two years and are now occupied by council tenants.

Provost Judy Whyte officially opened the developments, joined by councillors, council officers, and representatives from the construction firms involved.

One of the key projects, Bill Gibb Court in Fraserburgh, involved the refurbishment of the former Fraserburgh Academy annexe. The £3.3 million development created 16 one-bed flats, with eight of the ground-floor homes designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, including two fully wheelchair-accessible units. Chap Construction undertook the project, preserving some of the building's original features and ensuring energy efficiency. The flats were named in honour of Bill Gibb, the renowned fashion designer who attended Fraserburgh Academy.

CHAP Group (Aberdeen) Managing Director Hugh Craigie said: "CHAP is delighted and proud to have successfully partnered with Aberdeenshire Council to deliver three outstanding housing developments in Fraserburgh and Huntly.

"These high-quality residential units will provide improved living standards for many families, and we look forward to continuing this rewarding client/contractor relationship on current and future Council contracts."

A further six properties were completed at Bervie Road in Fraserburgh by Scorgie Construction through the redevelopment of a former family resource centre site which was completed in November last year.

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The three-storey building features six one-bed flats and was created at a cost of around £1.5million, with two of the properties designed to meet the specific needs of residents. Energy efficiency was again a key focus of the project, with the block also featuring a sprinkler system.

Scorgie Construction Director Niki Scorgie said: "Scorgie Construction Ltd were proud to carry out this project. We were extremely happy with the final result."

The largest recent council-led development in Fraserburgh has seen the creation of 26 one bed flats alongside two, three and four-bedroom houses at Bittockie Way, which was completed last year.

The land was transferred to Aberdeenshire Council as part of an affordable housing contribution, with the homes built by Chap Construction as part of the £5.5million project.

A second day of visits marked the completion of housing developments in Huntly, with the first involving the redevelopment of a site that previously serviced as a depot for the council’s roads service.

The Joanna Strathdee Court/King Street development involved the construction of nine flats and four three-bed homes which was completed in January at a cost of around £3.3million.

It was undertaken by Chap Construction, with the flats and homes achieving high energy standard ratings. As with other recent developments, ground floor flats in the scheme are suitable for those with physical disabilities.

The block of nine flats were named after late local councillor Joanna Strathdee, who served the area.

Elsewhere in Huntly, 37 flats and houses were completed at Sheena Sharp Drive in Huntly as part of a design and build contract undertaken by Morrison Construction at a cost of around £5.7million.

The project, named after Commonwealth Games shooting champion Sheena Sharp, features 12 units suitable for households with particular needs, with all properties achieving high energy standards ratings.

All the properties built in the developments are for social rent and were funded by Scottish Government New Build Grant and various funding streams through Aberdeenshire Council.

Provost Judy Whyte said: "I was delighted to formally unveil our impressive new housing developments and to hear about their connections with the local communities.

"Since 2009, when the council started its own new build programme, there have been more than 800 properties completed across Aberdeenshire, and it’s wonderful to get the chance to come and see them in person."

Cllr Anne Stirling, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee, added: "I would like to thank the construction firms who have built these high-quality houses and flats in Fraserburgh and Huntly, and which were made possible with the Scottish Government funding.

"Energy efficiency has been a key factor in the development of these properties, supporting the management of heating costs, and ensuring that developments include provision for those with disabilities means we can cater for as broad a range of tenants as possible."