The first phase to be delivered as part of an ongoing partnership with the award-winning housebuilder, the development includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes for rent, mid-market rent and sale under Albyn Enterprise’s low-cost home ownership scheme (LIFT). All of the homes have now been allocated, let or purchased.

Supported by more than £2.5 million in grant funding from the Scottish Government, the £6 million project will be followed by a second phase of 27 units, due to commence construction later this year at the popular Loch Ness location.

Speaking at the handover, Calum Macaulay, chief executive at Albyn Housing Society, commented: “Earlier this year we announced the society’s ambition to once again become an affordable housing developer of scale, supported by the unique private finance deal we have secured with BAE Systems Pension Funds Investment Management Ltd as well as the Scottish Government.

“Today’s handover marks the completion of a phased handover of homes at our first partnership development at Ness Castle. It is also one of many handovers planned by Albyn Housing Society as we aim to hit our target on 138 unit completions by 31 March 2018.

“This development in particular will provide our tenants and owner-occupiers with high-quality, attractive and modern homes in a striking environment and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Barratt Homes in the next phase.”

Scott Pettitt, Technical Director at Barratt North Scotland, added: “We are very pleased to have completed this phase of affordable housing with Albyn Housing Society ahead of programme and to be continuing our partnership as we move into the next phase.

“It is important to Barratt Homes that we add value to the communities in which we build, so we take pride in working with Registered Social Landlords across the North of Scotland to increase the availability of quality, affordable accommodation across the region and help the Scottish Government reach its affordable housing targets.”

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I’m delighted that our investment has helped to make affordable housing a reality at this site. This development at Ness Castle is a great example of how partnership working can deliver good quality homes with a range of sizes and tenures to suit the needs of individuals, allowing them to remain within their communities.

“Affordable housing in Inverness is a priority and we’ll continue to work with local partners to deliver the affordable homes that people across the country need.”