The Kirk Brae development in Inverness is made up of 27 new 2 and 1 bedroom flats, built on a gap site above the Smithton and Culloden Free Church. The development, commissioned by the Highland Council’s development and infrastructure service, was designed by Bracewell Stirling Architects and local company Compass Building and Construction carried out the construction works.

A total of 21 of the properties are for rent, helping the council reach the 750 milestone and six are for the low-cost initiative for first time buyers (LIFT)

Over £30 million of Scottish Government funding has been invested into Highland Council housing developments, to reach this milestone and the visit was a chance for the minister to see some of the properties and meet some of the staff delivering projects and tenants who are benefiting from these schemes.

Kevin Stewart MSP said: “I was delighted to visit and to recognise this achievement by Highland Council. This is a fantastic development and a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working between the Scottish Government and our housing delivery partners to ensure we are providing the right homes, in the right places, for both individuals and communities.”

The Highland Council has invested over £100m in delivering these new council homes and is committed to providing high quality, energy efficient affordable homes so people can live and work in their communities and all ages, from the younger generations to older residents with specific housing needs.

Leader of the Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson, who met up with the minister during his visit, said: “I was delighted when in 2010 we started developing and building new homes for rent so for us today to be celebrating the completion of 750 newly built council homes across the Highlands is a great achievement. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.

“It is great news not just for the families that are enjoying living in these well designed, high quality energy efficient flats and houses but it is also good news for the Highland construction industry and all associated trades as this is a considerable investment.

“This partnership approach is proving to be very successful and we will continue to seize every opportunity to continue to build affordable homes to attract more people to make the Highlands their home and encourage younger people to stay in our communities.”