Robertson Northern is nearing completion on two student accommodation developments worth £8.5 million for the University of Highlands and Islands and Cityheart.

The new residences are due to open in Elgin and Inverness this August, which will provide homes for 190 students in the Highlands during term time.

It will be the first time dedicated student accommodation has been provided in Elgin for students of Moray College UHI, providing room for 40 students in Alba Road.

The development at the Inverness Campus follows completion last year on another block also for 150 Inverness College UHI students.

Residents will stay in en-suite rooms with private or shared cooking facilities and will have access to Wi-Fi, cycle storage, laundry services and a support service.

Frank Reid, managing director of Robertson Northern, said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands is a fantastic asset for the whole region and these developments demonstrate the input it makes to the whole area.

“This is particularly exciting for Elgin and its surrounds as the introduction of student-specific accommodation helps bring a fresh workforce and new skills into the area.

“It is an especially proud moment for us given Robertson was founded in Elgin, so bringing this project to completion is a particularly satisfying.”

Developer Cityheart appointed Robertson Northern to deliver the new accommodation, having worked together on similar developments in Fort William and Inverness last year.

The developments are part of the university’s wider project to build and operate residences around the Highlands and Islands. The first phase saw a 40-bed facility open at West Highland College UHI in Fort William and a 150-bed facility open at Inverness Campus in summer 2016.

Speaking about the new development, Fiona Larg, the university’s chief operating officer and secretary, said: “We are excited that the second phase of our residences project is nearing completion. Students are at the heart of what we do and the provision of suitable accommodation is an important asset in supporting current students and attracting new ones.”

Cityheart, is responsible for overseeing the construction and operation of the new residences.

Patrick Hughes, group development director for Cityheart, said: “We are delighted to see our phase two developments for the University of the Highlands and Islands progressing so well. Student residents will benefit from the highest quality, fit for purpose student accommodation available at each location. We also look forward to working further with the university on phase three of its development plans.”