Students in Inverness will soon be able to enjoy greater accommodation options following completion of 150 new bedrooms in the city.

The University of the Highlands and Islands opened the new student residences on Inverness Campus this week, with students moving in for the start of the new academic year.

Built at the new Beechwood Campus by Robertson Construction, work on the new flats only started in September, with pre-fabricated timber frames provided by Robertson Timber Engineering allowing the development time to be accelerated despite sustained poor weather over the construction period.

Frank Reid, regional director of Robertson Northern, said: “Despite extremely challenging weather conditions throughout the build, we have been able to progress this in good time and are now looking forward to seeing the first batch of students settle in.

“By using pre-fabricated frames from our specialist timber frame division, we’ve been able to reduce construction time without comprising on design, quality or cost – helping ensure Inverness students have access to first-rate accommodation well ahead of schedule.”

Mike Turner, managing director of Robertson Timber Engineering, added: “By using fully insulated timber frames, complete with floor cassettes manufactured off site, the project team has been able to maintain progress throughout the difficult weather conditions and quickly get to a stage where the flats are resistant to the weather.”

Accommodation is split between single rooms with private cooking facilities and studio rooms with shared kitchens.

Specialist developer, Cityheart, is the developer and operator of the university’s new residences.

Group development director Patrick Hughes added: “Cityheart is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the university in the development of student accommodation in Inverness. The project has been an exciting for us and we look forward to welcoming students into the development very soon.”