Scotland's first New Energy Homes (NEH), the latest concept in energy efficient construction, have been built in the Highlands.

Housing Minister Alex Neil was in Rosshire today to learn more about the methods pioneered by the not-for-profit Highland Housing Alliance.

Backed by Scottish Government funding of £300,000, the development of 17 factory-assembled homes have been erected in a fraction of the traditional build time.

Each home complies with stringent building standards and features renewable heat pump technology, under-floor heating, roof insulation and low energy windows.

Information about energy use in the houses will be collected and analysed over the next two years.

The Minister also confirmed that the Scottish Government has agreed to provide funding of £1.9m for 22 of the 55 units to be built as part of the Scottish Housing Expo, which will be held in August 2010 in Inverness.

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Mr Neil said: "At a time when families across Scotland are feeling the pinch because of the economic downturn, this type of development points the way forward for more energy efficient, cost saving homes. Scottish companies are at the forefront of technology and this could be a blueprint for similar developments across the country.

"I hope that once the energy savings have been analysed the houses will have helped customers cut bills and ultimately reduce carbon emissions. I am also pleased that we have agreed to back the affordable homes provided through the Scottish Expo, which will help families in the Highlands."

The NEH concept has been developed by the Highland Housing Alliance, a not-for-profit development company that has been set up to build more new affordable and private houses for people in the Highlands. Built by Tulloch Homes, they are some of the first homes in Scotland and the UK to use Scotframe's Supawall insulation

Five of the homes are to be for low cost home ownership and the remaining 12 for outright sale.

Each home buyer will be offered an Eco Welcome Pack which will include a fruit bush, laundry pulley, composting bin, raised growing bed, water butt, bird/bee/bat box, and potato barrel.

(GK/JM)