Work is now underway on the development of 12 modern energy efficient flats in three-storey blocks, accessed from the town’s East King Street, which will be available for social rent.

The construction can proceed thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) and Argyll and Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund, as well as private funding from Dunbritton Housing Association.

This is the first time The JR Group has worked together with Dunbritton Housing Association, and will also be working alongside MAST Architects, G3 Consulting Engineers, NBM Construction Cost Consultants and Macdonald & Cameron Ltd to deliver the homes.

Allan Murphy, chief executive officer from Dunbritton Housing Association, said: “We are incredibly excited to see work starting at our Jeanie Deans site in Helensburgh. It has been a long time in the making and it is great to see our vision come to fruition.

“We want our communities to thrive, and we can play our part in this by providing much-needed good-quality homes for future generations. It is excellent to be working with The JR Group to deliver our Jeanie Deans development and we very much look forward to seeing this one progress in the coming months.”

Gary McGregor, managing director of The JR Group, said: “Breaking ground at the Jeanie Deans site in Helensburgh marks a new chapter for the area and brings with it good, high quality, energy efficient homes fit for the future.

“It is fantastic to be partnering with Dunbritton Housing Association on the project and we look forward to working with them as the site moves forward. Supporting the communities in which we work is at the very core of our business, and we are positive about making strong progress on the development and engaging with the local community in the weeks and months ahead.”