Delivered by construction firm The JR Group, on behalf of Link Group, the landmark development of 82 new energy efficient affordable homes has now been completed at Upper Achintore, realising a collective vision to increase housing supply at a crucially important time for housing provision in Scotland and rural housing in particular.

The project, set amongst the most breathtaking backdrop and labelled as one of the largest housing programmes in the area since the mid-70s, brings real reinvigoration, positive change and much needed homes to the area. The completion comes following revelations just last month that the Highlands and Islands are lagging behind the remainder of Scotland in rural affordable house building.

Despite a buoyant economy and tourism market in the Lochaber area, retention and recruitment of staff is a real problem due to lack of sustainable housing, which inhibits the economic growth of the area. Projects like this one, can ensure people can live close to where they work, benefitting the rural communities that need it most.

The multi-million-pound development supported by Link Group, Highland Council and the Scottish Government is part of a wider masterplan which will bring 300 affordable homes to the area. The JR Group has delivered Zone Two and Zone Five comprising 82 two- and three-bedroom terraced homes, cottage flats and two wheelchair-accessible bungalows.

Gary McGregor, managing director at The JR Group, said: “When we first began construction at Upper Achintore in 2022, we knew this project was vitally important to support the rural housing shortage in Scotland and would allow people and families to stay and work in Fort William. Since this time, a housing emergency has been declared in Scotland and there has been much criticism of the Scottish Government for neglecting to address the requirement of new homes in rural areas like Fort William.

“We have partnered with a substantial number of local subcontractors and suppliers, as part of our commitment to supporting the local communities in which we build. We know all too well this becomes significantly more valuable when creating rural developments such as this one.

“At a time when there is a desperate need for more quality rural housing, we are proud to deliver this transformative project for Link Group as part of this in such a picturesque setting.

“We have completed many projects across Scotland for Link Group, but this was our first in Fort William and it is absolutely spectacular, increasing the housing stock and providing modern, warm, energy efficient homes fit for the future. 

“There are additional logistical considerations to take into account when building in a rural area, but this was a very successful project for us and helped to expand our experience in the region.

“Subsequently, we have expanded our presence on Scotland Excel’s New Build Residential Construction framework, meaning we are an approved supplier for housing associations and local authorities across mainland Scotland looking for a contractor to deliver new homes.

“Our expansion on the framework means we can work on a wider variety of projects and also saw us come top of the list of contractors for rural areas in mainland Scotland, and this success is in part due to the homes we have delivered in Fort William.

“We look forward to continuing to deliver quality homes in remote areas of the country to help meet demand as part of the Scotland Excel framework and through our other partnerships.”