The proposals to create 27 rented homes for families and individuals at the C-listed Old School site in Ballater will be unveiled to the public next month.

Dating back to 1877, the property on Abergeldie Road was used by local youngsters until the 1960s when they were transferred to a more modern school.

It then served as an outdoor centre for a number of years, but has remained unoccupied since the 1990s.

Craig Stirrat, director of business development at Grampian Housing Association, said the plans would bring the disused buildings at the site back to life, and provide vital housing for Ballater residents.

If approved, the project’s construction will be led by Robertson Group.

He told the Press & Journal: “We believe our proposals will bring back into productive use a vacant community asset to help address the high demand for affordable housing in Ballater. It will give local people the opportunity to access high-quality homes.

“The site is in an excellent location and will be extremely popular. If our planning application is successful, we would hope that Robertson Construction can begin refurbishment and new-build works at the end of this year, with the first tenants moving in at the end of 2018.”

Funding for the project, designed by Ian Rodger Architects, has been provided by the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council.

Robertson Group chief operating officer, Derek Shewan, added: “Affordable housing is an important sector for our business, and we’re really pleased to be working again with Grampian Housing Association to deliver high-quality, energy efficient homes in Ballater.”

A public information meeting about the event will be held on August 9 from 3pm to 7.30pm in the Victoria and Albert Halls at Station Square, Ballater.

Plans for the development can be viewed in the display window of Ian Rodger Architects at Dee Design Studio on Bridge Street.