A total of 51 new homes, all for mid market rent, make up the development on the site of the former Wheel Inn, just two minutes walk from Scone high street.

The Kingdom Co-Housing Community for Over 55s at Earlsgate offers stylish age-exclusive living and brings a unique social dimension for residents. The development includes common facilities to encourage group activities and social meetings. Private homes clustered around shared spaces offer privacy when tenants need it as well as a sense of belonging and community with their neighbours when they want it.

Matthew Busher, Kingdom’s housing director, said: “We had really encouraging levels of interest in the first of our three open days at Earlsgate. 43 prospective tenants received guided tours of the site, enjoyed the refreshments we laid on, and had a good chat with staff about the possibilities for the development of this co-housing project. Our next open days are on the 28th of April and the 3rd of May and it’s great to see that interest in the development appears to be taking off.”

Bill Banks, Kingdom Group chief executive, added: “Co-housing is something we’ve been keen to explore at Kingdom and I am extremely happy with the development at Earslgate. Co-housing can bring back that sense of community which some people find is missing where they live. Residents at Earlsgate, Scone will use some of their time to support their neighbours and help manage the Co-Housing Community through involvement with aspects of community living.

“The range of services or activities will be agreed with the residents living at Earlsgate. Co-Housing communities thrive on consensus decision making. All residents are encouraged to take part in decision making and everyone has an equal voice.”

The properties at Earlsgate, Scone have been purchased off the shelf by Kingdom Housing Association and will be let and managed by Kingdom Initiatives for mid-market rent.

The total project cost is £9.3 million with funding of £4 million provided by the Scottish Government and a contribution of £765,000 provided by Perth & Kinross Council.