Housing and Property Chair, Cllr Glynis Sinclair, said: “Affordable, sustainable and energy efficient housing is a priority for The Highland Council as it enables people to stay within rural communities, allowing them to prosper and grow and in turn support wider economic growth.

“There is a particular need for 1 and 2 bed properties and with 12 now allocated for council rent in the centre of Nairn, it brings much needed affordable accommodation to the area. The development has transformed an area of the town that was needing a new purpose and with the addition of the CAB office, offers a new fully functioning community hub at a time when it’s never been needed more.”

Housing secretary Shona Robison, said: “It is wonderful to see these homes completed, supported by £700,000 of Scottish Government funding. This development will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the residents by providing much needed warm and affordable homes while providing support to the local community through the new Citizens Advice Bureau.”

Nairn CAB chair, Brenda Waterfield, added: “We are delighted to receive the keys to our new purpose built CAB office and IT suite. The new premises is a wonderful asset for the community, providing a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for all users.

“The current ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted all our lives and the new challenges we face on daily basis has given rise to the need for additional support. That’s why Nairn CAB is here: to give people a welcoming place to receive confidential advice - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. We look forward to seeing many residents over the coming months.”

Nairn Committee chair, Councillor Michael Green, added: “Twelve new flats to the council rental stock in Nairn is very welcome, given the shortage of affordable housing within the area. In addition, the need for the services offered by CAB is even more necessary in this turbulent and challenging time that we are all experiencing. I wish all the new tenants and CAB the very best in their new homes and look forward to visiting soon.”

The project includes the pedestrianisation of Courthouse Lane to provide a pedestrian route, via the crossing on the A96, between the High Street and the Community Centre, Sports Centre, Police Station, Museum, and other local facilities.

Additional works to surrounding car parks have been carried out to maximise parking availability and to re-site the electric car charging points.

The twelve flats have been allocated to tenants and they will all receive the keys to their new homes over the coming week.

Nairn CAB is busy moving in and will be ready to open its doors to the public on 1 December 2022, and an official grand opening will be announced shortly.

The development was assisted by a £0.7m grant from the Scottish Government - More Homes Scotland Fund and Bancon Construction the main contractor.