A Highland housing association has committed to delivering 750 affordable new homes across the region by 2021 – with potential for even more.
Albyn Housing Society last year initially set a target to build 500 new homes over five years but has since upped its ambitions.
The new socially rented homes will likely be built in Inverness, Nairn, Dingwall, Alness, Drumnadrochit and Inverdruie near Aviemore.
The housing association also wants to build 250 mid-market rent and low-cost initiative for first time buyers shared equity homes during the same period.
It means that by 2021 Albyn will hope to have an estate of more than 3,750 social rented homes stretching from Newtonmore to Thurso and Dyke to Applecross – a near 30% increase.
Douglas Russell, chairman of Albyn Housing Society, said: “We know the major housing pressures that exist in so many Highland communities and we are keen to do our part in helping them over the coming years.
“We are confident that we will be able to deliver this ambitious programme with the support of our major partners, including the Scottish Government, Highland Council as well as lenders. All of this will be done while protecting the interests of our current and future tenants, which is of the utmost importance to us.”
Councillor Audrey Sinclair, chairwoman of Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: “I welcome the important contribution that Albyn is making to the delivery of more affordable housing across the Highlands. Having more housing, particularly for young families, is an important factor in keeping communities sustainable and viable.”
