Supported by over £6.3 million grant from the Scottish Government’s affordable housing supply programme, the development has also secured funding from the Moray Growth Deal’s £7.5m Housing Mix Delivery project, funded by Moray Council and the Scottish Government, towards the £10.1m Speyview development cost.

These homes will contribute towards the 300 affordable homes planned across the region, including Elgin, Forres, Speyside and the Buckie coastal area, that form part of the Housing Mix Delivery project.

Speyview, delivered by Springfield Properties, will include a broad mix of house types, which aim to meet the needs of the Aberlour community and the wider Speyside area. These range from one-bedroom cottage flats; two-bedroom accessible bungalows for those with mobility issues; and three to five-bedroom houses to relieve overcrowding.

During his visit to the Aberlour site, the Minister heard how the area will benefit from significant infrastructure improvements, including a new junction onto the A95. The investment also has the potential to develop a further 31 affordable homes in a future phase of construction. The approved planning application had a number of additional conditions placed on it including provision of new active travel links; laybys and bus stops; fencing and barriers for safety; and a travel pack will be provided to all residents to ensure safe use of all options.

Speaking on a visit to the site, Paul McLennan MSP commented: “I was pleased to visit the Speyview affordable housing development in Aberlour to hear the positive impact that these new homes will have on the community. Supported by over £6m of funding from the Scottish Government’s affordable housing supply programme and funding from Moray Growth Deal’s Housing Mix Delivery Project, these homes will play a valuable role in boosting the local affordable housing supply. The development will contribute to economic growth and provide warm and safe homes that will meet a wide range of housing needs.”

Springfield Partnerships managing director, Tom Leggeat, said: “We are in the midst of an exceptionally exciting time for Moray and the Highlands. The upcoming Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport as well as the Beauly to Peterhead powerline will bring job opportunities as well as investment to the area. This investment heightens the already significant demand for high quality housing, particularly in the north of Scotland.

“We are pleased to have welcomed the housing minister to our development where we are building high quality affordable homes in Aberlour in partnership with Moray Council and discuss how we can build more developments like this to meet the pressing housing needs.”

Moray Growth Deal lead for Moray Council, Councillor Marc Macrae, added: “I’m grateful to the Minister for taking time to come and see the progress of the development, which is very much in the early stages but will be a huge boost to Speyside. We’re seeing real results of the investment in the Housing Mix Delivery Project now and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact on our communities.”

The Moray Growth Deal brings together the Scottish and UK governments, Moray Council, partners from across the public and third sector, and businesses. The combined investment will see up to £32.5 million pledged from the Scottish and UK Governments respectively, with regional partners contributing up to £35.8 million.