Aberdeenshire Council has agreed proposals to kick-start the development of three new affordable housing schemes in Braemar, Westhill and Aboyne.

The three projects are being developed through three local housing associations - Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership, Grampian Housing Association and Castlehill Housing Association.

The Scottish Government has agreed in principle to fund the housing schemes, which were potentially at risk due to the timing of construction programmes and the availability of funding.

Recognising the urgent need for affordable housing in Aberdeenshire, as well as providing a welcome boost to the local construction industry, Aberdeenshire Council will fund the projects in advance of the money being received from the Scottish Government.

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The schemes will receive a £5m boost to allow construction to start immediately on 76 homes across the three areas.

Forty-six one, two and three bedroom houses will be built in Westhill, 24 one, two, three and four bedroom houses in Aboyne, and six three bedroom terraced homes will be built in Braemar.

Chairman of the Social Work and Housing Committee, Gurudeo Saluja, explained: "This is a very positive solution to help address particular housing issues in parts of Aberdeenshire. The council is committed to improving the amount of affordable housing throughout the whole area and I'm delighted that we have been able to come up with a practical solution to get these schemes moving."

Welcoming the decision, Peter Argyle, local councillor for Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside said: "These new homes are badly needed in Aboyne and I'm delighted that the council has agreed to kick-start this project. Local people are being priced out of the market and there is little chance for them to get on the property ladder. These homes will provide a number of families with that opportunity."

The Scottish Government has agreed in principle to Aberdeenshire Council's proposal, although a final decision will need to be made to ensure that the funding agreed by the council will be repaid by the Scottish Government over a three year period.

Once the proposal has been agreed, Aberdeenshire Council will release the funding and building will begin immediately.

(GK/JM)