A major housing fair being held in Inverness in the summer of 2010 is being rebranded to reflect its national importance.

Linda Fabiani, the Scottish Government's Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, has endorsed the name change to Scotland’s Housing Expo - the Highland Housing Fair.

The Minister was briefed at a recent meeting with organisers of the event in Inverness. The Expo organisers are delighted to be given the opportunity to outline the national significance of this housing event.

Ms Fabiani said: "Scotland's Housing Expo is a great opportunity to showcase our architectural and sustainable design talent, just as Finland has been doing for more than 35 years through its annual housing fair.

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"The project is a mixed development including 40 per cent affordable housing, so it is not just about expensive homes for those who can afford them. The Expo will demonstrate how feasible it is to develop sustainable communities and how good design, energy efficiency and sustainability can be placed at the heart of housing building."

Councillor Jean Urquhart, Chairman of Scotland's Housing Expo, welcomed the national status of the Highland event. She said: "The event will prove crucial to how we live in the future. This exciting and essential project will hold the key to innovative developments in sustainable housing."

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council's Planning Environment and Development Committee, said: "This project and event will provide a showcase of good design and construction and help place Scotland and the Highlands at the forefront of the development of sustainable housing in the UK.

"We strongly support the many benefits which can come from sustainable design and construction and is committed to the successful delivery of Scotland's Housing Expo - the Highland Housing Fair. In the current economic downturn this housing project is even more important as it can deliver high quality design, in an attractive living environment, using locally sourced and renewable materials and with low maintenance costs."

(GK/JM)