A new housing development on the site of the former Struan Hotel, Carrbridge has been prepared and works to build council rental properties has begun. The build awarded to Inverness-based Compass Building and Construction Services will see 10, one and two-bed flats built for council rent. The development is scheduled to complete around October 2024 and is supported by £560,000 from the Scottish Government’s More Homes Division.

Nearby, the Carr Road - Tulloch Homes development, which will be called ‘Pinefield’ on completion will see a mixed tenure of properties available for private sale, council rent and mid-market rental in partnership with the Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) a not-for-profit developer. The mid-market-rental (MMR) properties will be managed by HHA who will secure tenants and manage the lettings process and leasing, the homes comprise of four cottage apartments and two, three bed semi-detached homes.

In addition, a further seven properties at the ‘Pinefield’ development agreed this week bring the total houses for council rent to 12. They will comprise two two-bed bungalows, two three-bed bungalows, six two-bed villas, one three-bed villa and one five-bed villa. Completion will be around March 2024 and is supported by £1,455,305.00 from the Scottish Government’s More Homes Division and The Inverness and Highland City Region deal.

Housing and Property Committee chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “Affordable and accessible housing is a key priority in the council’s Programme and the two Carrbridge developments are a prime example of how we can reinvigorate and make positive changes to increase the much needed housing stock in the Badenoch and Strathspey area.

“To repurpose the site of the old Struan Hotel to offer council rent housing and to work in partnership with housing associations and commercial property developers to offer affordable social rent and mid-market properties demonstrates the integrated and inclusive communities that will be of huge benefit to the Highlands.

“Demand to live and develop business opportunities in the Highlands is high, yet suitable housing can inhibit the growth potential for those wishing to take up employment or to remain in the area. The Highland Council, alongside our partners will continue to work to build a portfolio of housing stock to enable people to have viable options available to them.”

Cllr Bill Lobban, The Highland Council convener and Badenoch and Strathspey ward member, added: “The Highland Council working in partnership with HHA and Highland-based house builders are creating much needed housing options in the key locations where availability of affordable and mid-market properties is a real issue. Despite a buoyant economy and tourism market in the area, retention and recruitment of staff is a problem due to a lack of suitable housing and developments such as this will have a positive impact.

“We look forward with optimism to see the developments complete and for the opportunities, and vibrancy that these new homes will offer.”

The Scottish Government’s More Homes Division offers financial support to enable the council to commit to the delivery of an average of 660 new affordable homes per annum of which approximately 70% will be for affordable rent and 30% for intermediate affordable housing (low-cost home ownership or mid-market rent), in line with the overall Scottish Government targets.

The Inverness and Highland City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.