The four-in-a-block-style flats will provide much needed one bedroom amenity homes for people aged 50 and over.

They have been considerately designed to a high standard, and to take account of the proximity of the historic town centre, with shops and other facilities on tenants’ doorsteps.

The eight ground-floor flats are all designed for people with mobility problems, and two are fully wheelchair adapted. All the homes are energy efficient.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart, speaking at the opening, reiterated that housing is a priority for the Scottish Government, which has a target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this parliament with at least 35,000 of these being for social rent.

Kathleen Mands, chair of Abertay Housing Association, said “This is an exciting moment for Abertay, as this is our first development of new homes outside Dundee.

“We are delighted with how well the development phase has gone, and would like to thank Campion Homes and KDM Architects for the high quality building and design that we see today. We pride ourselves in delivering a high standard of service to all our tenants and we look forward to working with Angus Council to extend this into Forfar.”

Councillor Craig Fotheringham, communities committee convenor at Angus Council, added: “Angus Council is pleased to have been able to support Abertay Housing Association to develop these much needed homes through our Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

“Thanks to increased funding from the Scottish Government, we and our housing association partners are delivering an ambitious programme of new affordable housing development across Angus.

“Increasing the supply of accessible housing is particularly important to ensure we can meet future housing need and this development includes a number of accessible properties, including two fully wheelchair adapted homes.”