Onsite building works are under way at Glenfield in Ullapool, which will see 49 homes becoming available in winter 2019, while demolition work nears completion at a 37-home project in Inverness city centre.

With funding from the Scottish Government, City Region Deal and the Highland Council, Highland Housing Alliance is developing the Glenfield site in conjunction with the council and Cairn Housing Association. The properties are being constructed by Compass Building and Construction Services which is also developing homes for private sale.

The mixed development at Glenfield Park (the site of the former Glenfield Hotel) comprises 49, one, two and three bedroom homes for sale, mid-market rent and social rent.

Six mid-market properties will be available for rent from HHA Homes; eight affordable homes will be available from Cairn Housing Association with a further 20 affordable homes available from the council. Fifteen properties on this development are for sale from Compass Building & Construction Services through Anderson, Shaw and Gilbert in Inverness.

Highland Housing Alliance chief executive, Gail Matheson, said: “It is great to have the opportunity to develop mid market rental homes in Ullapool which will be targeted at people living and working in the area. The rents for these homes will be below current private rental levels for similar properties in the area.

“This follows on from our very successful development at Benleva in Drumnadrochit which was built by Compass to a very high standard. Anybody interested in applying can download an application form from our website.”

Tom MacLeod, managing director of Compass Building and Construction Services, said: “Compass are delighted to be working in partnership with The Highland Council, HHA and Cairn Housing Association to deliver this much needed mix tenure development in Ullapool. This has been an excellent example of collaborative partnership working with all involved.”

Simon Campbell, property investment coordinator for Cairn Housing Association, added: “We are delighted to work with HHA, Highland Council and the Scottish Government to build new homes in Ullapool, which will be a great addition to the village. Demand for good quality, affordable social housing continues to grow and our ambitious plan to build 400 homes over the next five years will go some way to meeting that need.”

Chair of the Highland Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee, Cllr Allan Henderson, said: “The village has been crying out for more affordable accommodation and this unique partnership with Compass, the council, Cairn Housing Association and Highland Housing Alliance is a great example of what can be achieved when everyone works together. We look forward to seeing tenants move in.”

Meanwhile the Highland Council and Highland Housing Alliance are another step closer towards the construction of Wyvern House on Academy Street, Inverness as the demolition of the existing building nears completion.

Work at 79 Academy Street, formerly known as Farm Foods, is progressing well and as clearing the site draws to an end, the scene is set to transform the prime city centre site into 37 new 1 and two bedroom flats for rent along with commercial units.

This project to bring life back to a derelict site and create new affordable city centre homes, funded by a package including money from the council, Highland Housing Alliance, the Scottish Government and the Highland City Region Deal, complements the regeneration work already underway on Academy Street.

Councillor Trish Robertson, vice chair of the Highland Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee and a director on Highland Housing Alliance Board, said: “It is exciting to see the redevelopment of this prime city site move a step forward. It comes hot on the heels of the redevelopment of 92-94 Academy Street across the road and the refurbishment of the former CAB offices into new homes so when completed Wyvern House is really going to play it’s part in enhancing this part of the city by providing new homes and new business opportunities.”

The contractor is Morrison Construction and the next stage will involve arrival of the crane and delivery of the new build system.

Morrison Construction managing director of building Highland, Donald Mclachlan, said: “It’s an exciting milestone for this prestigious design and build project. Demolition and site clearance works that began late last year are nearing completion with the main contract set to begin in April.

“We are delighted to be working again with the Highland Council to deliver this development in the heart of Inverness, which will see our experienced team provide new homes and retail spaces.”

In the 50’s and 60’s the site was the premises of the SMT Vauxhall Garage and one of its best-selling models at the time was the Wyvern car. A Wyvern is a legendary creature with a dragon’s head and wings that often appears in heraldry and features in many Celtic images.