The Highland Council recently declared a ‘housing challenge’ for the area in line with other councils in Scotland and the Scottish Parliament who declared a housing emergency. 

It is estimated that the Highlands will need as many as 24,000 new homes over the next ten years to keep up with future demand as well as satisfy current housing needs. 

The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport say that it could bring up to 15,000 new jobs and around £3 billion in inward investment. SSEN has also announced a £20bn investment to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland to support net zero transmission and long term energy security. This will create a need for up to 5,000 highly skilled workers in the Highlands and further afield by 2030. However, currently, there is not enough housing provision for these  workers.

Lesley McInnes, chair of the Albyn Housing Society board, said: “As one of the largest housing providers in the Highlands it is only right that we play our part in combating the housing shortage.

“There are significant economic opportunities in the Highlands coming down the track and it would be remiss of us if these passed us by due to a lack of housing in the area. 

“The board of Albyn Housing Society recently hosted representatives from The Highland Council and from the Scottish Government More Homes Division at our recent strategy day and their insights provided for meaningful discussion about increasing the delivery of housing in the area.

“In early 2025, we will bring forward proposals that will support the construction of significant new housing in the Highlands over the next ten years. Ultimately, this will deliver more homes for the people that need them, as well as increased prosperity and opportunities for the Highlands. As well as the long term positive economic impact, the construction of these homes will also result in more jobs for local people and investment in local communities.”