SSEN Transmission has agreed its biggest single-developer housing package with the Springfield Group to support the construction of 293 new homes across six sites in the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

The move is designed to help meet local housing need while underpinning long-term energy infrastructure investment.

Under the agreement, initial funding will be provided to Springfield to accelerate early works. The new homes are planned for Elgin (24), Lhanbryde (77), Turriff (69), Muir of Ord (45), Beauly (40) and Drumnadrochit (38).

The properties will initially house the workforce delivering planned major electricity network upgrades that SSEN Transmission hopes to build as part of its £22bn+ infrastructure investment programme. Once complete, the homes will be made available to local communities as a mix of affordable, social and private housing for sale and rent, forming a core element of the company's housing legacy initiative first announced in 2024.

The deal follows SSEN Transmission's announcement last month of new housing in Brechin and Stornoway, with further projects across the north of Scotland expected in the coming weeks and months. It also comes after the company signed the Highland Social Value Charter, which includes commitments to housing investment.

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The Scottish Government's Housing Secretary, Màiri McAllan, said: "The expansion of Scotland's renewable electricity sector represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive economic growth, foster innovation and support our transition to net zero. This must be accompanied by the necessary infrastructure, including housing, if we are to fully realise all of the exciting potential this sector has to offer. That is why I warmly welcome today's announcement that SSEN Transmission have reached an agreement with the Springfield Group to deliver nearly 300 new homes in the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Moray. Not only will these new homes support the economic development of the area, they will also create a lasting housing legacy, in these communities, when the homes are released back for sale and rent. I look forward to seeing these developments progress and want to commend our Local Authority partners, for their collaborative approach working with SSEN Transmission and developers, to support the delivery of these homes."

SSEN Transmission's Managing Director, Rob McDonald, said: "This agreement with Springfield represents a major milestone in our housing legacy commitment. It's more than just bricks and mortar – it's about creating long-lasting value for communities, providing much-needed homes, and supporting the workforce delivering vital grid upgrades. Alongside our other housing agreements, we are proud to be working in partnership with Springfield to deliver homes that will benefit local people for decades to come."

The Springfield Group's Chief Executive, Innes Smith said: "We are delighted to have agreed this deal with SSEN Transmission to provide housing to support the delivery of necessary renewable development that helps build up the energy security we need for the UK. The construction of these high-quality homes will further support the local economy with the significant creation of jobs and training for apprentices. When the rental period concludes, the local communities will benefit from additional affordable homes and much needed private housing to meet the demand for the future Freeport economic development."

The agreement provides upfront funding to accelerate early construction works, with additional phases of investment to be unlocked should SSEN Transmission's infrastructure projects receive planning consent.