The council terminated its contracts with Dundee-based Muirfield (Contracts) Ltd after the company went in to administration.

Among those contracts was the 24-home Martin Brae development and the council entered into negotiations with existing contractors to complete the project.

Work is now scheduled to recommence in September.

Muirfield was also undertaking a contract for an affordable housing development at Barrasgate in Fraserburgh, where work has stopped.

The council is continuing negotiations with other contractors to finish this project and hopes to complete the tendering process soon.

Upgrades to Aberdeenshire Council homes were also being carried out by Muirfield when administrators were appointed.

The council has been communicating with affected tenants to keep them informed of progress while arrangements are made to complete this work.

Aberdeenshire Council’s head of property, Allan Whyte, said: “The process of finding alternative companies to complete the developments and upgrades to homes started almost immediately when we became aware of the issues.

“We know these affordable housing developments are eagerly anticipated and although the circumstances were out of our control, we have made a real effort to resume work as soon as possible.

“We have been in discussions with Bancon about a revised timescale for completion of the Martin Brae works, which we should know in short course.

“We would like to thank council tenants for their patience while we work through the issues caused by the Muirfield administration – we will provide further updates when we know more.”