The Link development marks the start of a five-zone master plan to build over 300 homes in the area.

This first phase of the development will deliver 82 affordable homes - a mix of one to four-bedroom properties for social and mid-market rent and New Supply Shared Equity sale. Five of these homes will be fully wheelchair accessible.

Link Group commercial director Colin Culross said: “We look forward to working with our partners, JR Construction (Scotland) Ltd, WGC Scotland Ltd and TSL Contractors Ltd, to deliver these new, affordable and sustainable homes to the area, improving housing choices for the local community.

“In addition, we aim to provide 32 employment opportunities for local people through our contractors as part of our commitment to community benefit in procurement.

“We would like to thank the Scottish Government and Highland Council for supporting this exciting new development by providing funding of £12.8m and £2m respectively.”

Cabinet secretary for communities, local government and housing, Shona Robison, said: “We want everyone to have a safe, warm affordable home that meets their needs.

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has been able to provide £12.8m to support the delivery of these 82 high-quality, energy efficient affordable homes for rent and ownership in the Fort William area.”

Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Trish Robertson, said: “It is fantastic to see work begin on the Upper Achintore development, which will provide much-needed, sustainable and affordable homes for people in the Fort William area.

“The £2m greener infrastructure investment by Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee underlines the local authority’s commitment to providing housing for those who need it. Everyone deserves to have a safe place to call home.”

Highland Council leader, Councillor Margaret Davidson, added: “It is very good to see work begin on the Upper Achintore development, which will provide much-needed, sustainable and affordable homes for people in Fort William.

“The £2m greener infrastructure investment by Highland Council underlines the local authority’s commitment to enable developers to get moving with infrastructure to enable housing sites to progress.”

There will be a phased programme of handovers with completion of the homes targeted for April 2024.