The private and affordable developer will be building 22 affordable homes, just off Forsyth Road in the seaside village.

Built in partnership with Moray Council, the one bedroom flats, two bedroom bungalows and three bedroom homes will be highly energy efficient making them cheaper to run for tenants and greener for the environment.

Springfield managing director of affordable housing, Tom Leggeat, said: “We’re really pleased to start construction on this development in Hopeman. There is a shortage of affordable homes in Moray with around 3,000 people on the housing waiting list. These homes will give 22 families who want to stay in Hopeman the opportunity to do so.

“As part of this development, we will also be improving a section of the drainage in the village which has caused issues for existing residents for some time. We’ll be handing over these homes to Moray Council in Spring 2020.”

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “I was delighted to officially mark the start of construction of these new homes, to meet the developers and hear from local residents. This development will offer quality affordable homes for families in Hopeman and enhance the strong community that exists here.

“Affordable housing is a priority for the Scottish Government, which is why we’re investing £3 billion to support our ambitious target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes by 2021. Everyone deserves a warm, safe, affordable place to live, and these new homes will help us achieve that ambition.”