Ten new affordable flats for social rent have been completed by The Highland Council in Carrbridge, addressing a significant demand for smaller properties in the area.

The development, named Struan Court after the former Struan Hotel which previously occupied the site, offers eight one-bedroom and two two-bedroom flats.

The £1,467,884.53 build was awarded to Inverness-based Compass Building and Construction Services and received crucial financial support from the Scottish Government's More Homes Division.

Councillor Bill Lobban, Convener of The Highland Council, expressed his delight at the completion of the project. "Badenoch and Strathspey has been crying out for this type of one/two bed properties, and I would like to say how delighted I am that these new homes will soon be filled by new tenants," he said.

He also highlighted the wider benefits of such developments: "The Scottish Government's More Homes Division funding has helped the Council to commit to the delivery of new affordable homes for rent or low-cost home ownership/mid-market rent. Building new houses not only fills an important gap in the market but also boosts the construction industry and creates wider circular economic benefits over the longer term."

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Councillor Lobban further emphasised the significance of regenerating derelict sites and acknowledged the community's long-standing desire for the redevelopment of the former Struan Hotel site. "Struan Court is an example of the importance of regenerating derelict areas and for many long years top of the Carrbridge wish list has been redevelopment of the derelict Struan Hotel whom the development is named after. Whilst this new development is a great example of cooperation between the Scottish Government and The Highland Council it would not have happened without the wholehearted support of the community and especially Carrbridge & Vicinity Community Council."

Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, echoed this sentiment. "As part of the Highland Housing Challenge, The Highland Council is committed to improving the housing stock across the Highlands and this development not only provides much needed new homes, but it has also regenerated a derelict site," she stated.

She added: "The completion of Struan Court development marks the continued regeneration of the area and adds to the social housing stock at the nearby, Carr Road -Tulloch Homes Pinefield development. I wish the new tenants every happiness in their new home and thank all involved in making this development come to fruition."

The Highland Council's Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) outlines proposals for affordable housing investment between 2023 and 2028, reaffirming the commitment to deliver an average of 500 new affordable homes per year. Approximately 70% of these are intended for affordable rent, with the remaining 30% allocated for intermediate affordable housing options such as low-cost home ownership or mid-market rent, aligning with overall Scottish Government targets.