New student accommodation blocks are poised to open in Dornoch, Elgin and Inverness later this month.
The £16.3million project will significantly boost the options for students studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
The new residences will serve the campuses of Moray College, North Highland College and Inverness College.
The university has been working with specialist developer Cityheart on the extra provision.
The Elgin facility on Alba Road and the Dornoch residences on Shore Road will each provide accommodation for 40 students.
The Inverness development, situated next to existing residences on the city campus, will provide space for a further 150 students.
Students will stay in en-suite rooms with private or shared cooking facilities and will have access to internet, cycle storage, laundry services and a support service.
The developments are part of the university’s wider project to build and operate residences around the region.
The first phase was the opening of a 40-bed facility at West Highland College in Fort William and a 150-bed accomodation at Inverness Campus in summer last year.
Fiona Larg, the university’s chief operating officer and secretary, said: “We are excited that the second phase of our residences project is nearing completion.
“Students are at the heart of what we do and the provision of suitable accommodation is an important asset in supporting current students and attracting new ones.”
Patrick Hughes, group development director for Cityheart, said: “We are delighted to see our phase two developments for the University of the Highlands and Islands progressing so well.
“Student residents will benefit from the highest quality, fit-for-purpose student accommodation available at each location. We also look forward to working further with the university on phase three of its development plans.”
The Inverness and Elgin residences are being constructed by Robertson Northern, while O’Brien Construction Ltd is building the Dornoch facility.
Frank Reid, managing director of Robertson Northern, said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands continues to be a terrific draw for students from across the region and further afield. These new developments will help to meet the need for more, and better, accommodation for these young people.”
Lynda Mackay, managing director of O’Brien Construction Ltd, said: “We have been delighted to be involved with Cityheart and the University of the Highlands and Islands in the provision of such a quality accommodation project at Dornoch. It will prove a tremendous asset for future students.”
