A total of 26 flats and houses at Meadowside, Oldmeldrum, and 31 flats and houses at Clerkhill, Peterhead, have been handed over to the council by CHAP Construction, while 6 one and two-bed flats at North Street, Inverurie, have been provided by Bancon Homes.

All the properties are for rent, with tenants already living in some of them. Several of the homes have been specifically adapted for tenants with physical disabilities.

The Oldmeldrum and Peterhead developments were designed by the council, while the ‘design and build’ project at Inverurie was part of a developer contribution arrangement towards affordable housing.

The new properties formed part of the sixth phase of the council’s new-build housing programme, which saw a total of 151 new homes built across 11 sites over the past year.

The projects represent an investment of approaching £11 million across the three towns and were supported by Scottish Government funding.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s communities committee, Cllr Anne Stirling, said: “Between them, these three developments are helping us provide much-needed additional housing in communities across Aberdeenshire.

“With these properties complete, we are now moving on to invest a further £150m to build up to 2,354 affordable homes over the next five years as part of our strategic housing investment plan.

“I’d like to thank both CHAP Construction and Bancon Homes for producing these high-quality properties and wish the new tenants all the best in their new homes.”

CHAP Group joint managing director, Hugh Craigie, said: “CHAP Construction is proud to have worked alongside Aberdeenshire Council in delivering new affordable homes in Peterhead and Oldmeldrum.

“These highly energy-efficient homes also benefit from new green spaces for families to enjoy. We are sure that the new residents will benefit from their new homes for many years to come.”

Allan Clow, managing director of Bancon Homes, said: “Bancon were delighted to assist with the provision of these homes in our Homes for Scotland award nominated development at Inverurie.

“Our design led approach makes these homes an integral part of our development providing high quality homes in a superb location.”