A ceremony was held to mark the commencement of Servite Housing Association's new development at West Heather Road, Inverness.

The ceremony was carried out by Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chair of the Housing and Social Work Committee of Highland Council, with support from Bill Roberton, Chair of Servite's Committee of Management.

The development is for older people aged 50 plus and consists of 32 units capable of housing 102 persons.

The accommodation includes flats and detached cottages, with eight flats being made available for shared-equity purchase, while the remainder of the development will be for rent. The development is insulated to a high specification in order to reduce fuel bills and ensure a low carbon footprint.

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As part of Servite's policy of utilising increasingly efficient and economical heating and power systems, it is proposed to employ a bio-mass district heating system, which would ensure that the project receives an Eco-homes rating of "Excellent".

Carrying out the ceremony, Councillor Davidson commented: "It is great to welcome Servite to the group of Housing Associations that Highland Council works closely with in Highland. This is a particularly important development and will be a good move forward to meet our target of houses suitable for older people."

This is the first development in the Highlands by Servite, whose Chief Executive, Julie Cosgrove, said: "Servite is proud to be able to contribute towards meeting the increasing housing needs in this area and we trust this development will enhance housing provision. I would like to thank everyone who has supported Servite in this development and look forward to continuing to develop affordable housing in the area."

(GK/JM)