Contractors are currently supplying the Highland Council with detailed work plans for safe working, encompassing social distancing, and following all guidance relating to COVID-19.

In line with the guidance, contractors will be carrying soft starts with physical distancing being complied with and allowing workers to return to construction sites gradually while using measures such as hand hygiene and one-way systems to ensure that they can do so safely.

Soft starts on site will start this week on council housing build projects in Inverness at Torvean, Academy Street and Slackbuie, and also in Fort William at Upper Achintore former school and in Dingwall High Street.

Chair of the council’s development and infrastructure committee, Councillor Trish Robertson, welcomed the news that work was to start up again.

She said: It is great news not just for the families waiting to move into new homes, but it is also good news for the Highland construction industry and all associated trades. Providing top quality affordable housing remains a priority of the council and over the next few weeks work will start on more sites throughout the Highlands to deliver over 300 new council homes.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.