The residents at Meiklefield Road have been enjoying their new homes for around six months now.

Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee chair, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, said: “I’m delighted along with my fellow local Members to have met with some of the Meiklefield Rd, residents and see first-hand how the road has been restored to its former glory.

“It was wonderful to hear the story of the tenant who’d originally moved onto Meiklefield Road in 1977 and waited patiently in temporary accommodation whilst her former home was demolished and her new one completed. It was a nice touch from the Allocation Team who made sure her new home was in almost exactly the same place as her old one. It was also a pleasure to welcome the new generation of tenants who are making Meiklefield Road their home.

“On behalf of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, I’d like to thank all those involved in making our aspirations to improve council housing stock in Dingwall a reality.”

In total there are 14 new homes, replacing 12 houses that originally stood on the site, they comprise of eight 2 bed/4 person flats and six 2 bed/4 person houses. All properties have private garden space and off-street parking.

The project was part funded by a £1.35 million grant from the Scottish Government’s More Homes Fund.

Housing and Property Committee chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “This pilot project is a new approach to enable outworn Council housing stock to be repurposed by demolishing and building new homes using the footprint of the former site. This will help ensure longevity of affordable, modern rental property for the future.”

Cllr Campbell Sinclair added: “The Highland Council’s housing priority is to offer affordable, sustainable and energy efficient housing that enables people to stay within rural communities, allowing them to prosper and grow and in turn support wider economic growth. These new homes are welcomed, and I wish the tenants every happiness in their new homes.”

Architectural Services were provided by HRI Munro, with Capstone Construction undertaking the build.

The success of the pilot project paves the way for The Highland Council to consider further phases in the area. Subject to survey and feasibility work, Officers are hopeful that they will be able to present a phase 2 proposal for consultation in the near future.