The local authority took possession of the properties from the contractor Capstone Construction this week.

Housing and Property Committee chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “The Station Road, Dingwall development is a prime example of making positive change within communities. Twenty new homes for social rent will make a significant difference in an area much in need of affordable properties of this type of tenure.

“Suitable land for development can be finite, to be able to repurpose a derelict site in a prime location to offer additional housing options for people to live and work in the area is a fantastic achievement.

“Social housing and affordable housing is a key priority in the council’s Programme and efforts to increase the supply continues as part of the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028.”

The site consists of former commercial premises which has been a branch of Travis Perkins, and a car wash amongst other uses over the years, falling empty until the council acquired it for redevelopment.

The development consists of 20, one and two bed flats for Highland Council rent, with some of the one bed flats designed to convert into two beds should the occupying tenant’s needs change over time.

The development was designed by Reynolds Architecture and funded by The Highland Council and with a grant of £1,754,299 towards the cost from the Scottish Government’s More Homes Division. This is one of a range of schemes being supported by the Scottish Government being delivered across Highland to address the acute demand for affordable homes.

The main contractor was Inverness-based Capstone Construction. The appointment of a Highland contractor helps to support the local supply chain and workforce, as much as possible, whilst Highland Council’s contract award criteria encourages the appointment of local apprentices to its schemes and the delivery of community benefits in line with wider council policy.

The council has committed to the delivery of an average of 660 new affordable homes per annum of which approximately 70% will be for affordable rent and 30% for intermediate affordable housing (low-cost home ownership or mid-market rent), in line with the overall Scottish Government targets.