Highland housebuilder Tulloch Homes is returning to the Aberdeen market after many years’ absence.

The Inverness firm, which was bought by its management earlier this month, has started work on a £9 million development of 45 two-bedroom apartments, called The Courtyard, in a former envelope manufacturing factory in Duff Street.

Tulloch chief executive George Fraser revealed that the firm also plans to build homes in the grounds of the old Balgownie Primary school in Bridge of Don.

He said: “We’re extremely pleased to be back in Aberdeen city after a long absence, although we have successfully built developments in Aberdeenshire in places like Rothienorman, Insch and Lumphanan in recent years.

“It was a matter of finding the right location and Duff Street is central, with good transport links.

“We’re on the verge of approval for Balgownie, another exciting location, and it’s fair to say that we hope to roll out further developments in Aberdeen in due course.

“The oil price may be low but the fundamentals of the Aberdeen economy remain strong, which is why we’re prepared to invest significantly there.”

Mr Fraser added: “We are continuing to roll out fresh phases of developments in Inverness and Ross- shire throughout 2015, building on strong sales growth in the past couple of years.”

Tulloch sales director Lynne Boyd said: “We will be launching the first block of apartments at The Courtyard, Duff Street, this summer and we’ve already received a very large advance bank of inquiries.”