Osprey Housing has taken possession of the first phase of properties at a new development in Aberdeenshire.

The first 15 high quality homes for rent in Alford have now been handed over.

In total the new Osprey development will comprise 27 properties with an overall project cost of just under £3 million. Grant funding has been provided by the Scottish Government and private funding is coming from Lloyds Banking Group.

Osprey chief executive, Glenn Adcook, said: “This is a significant investment for Osprey in Aberdeenshire and forms an important part of our overall development plans. It also represents the importance of our close working with the council to address pressing housing needs in the local area.

“We’re committed to providing quality homes for our tenants and this is a superb development in an excellent location in Alford, which will be highly sought after.”

The first phase of properties includes a mix of houses and flats with tenants already selected and ready to move straight in.

The second phase of 12 properties at the development is likely to be ready for handover by December 2017.