A fire in a small section of the site at Wallacewell Quadrant, Balornock, on Monday evening destroyed four cottage flats which were under construction.

Contractors McTaggart were back working on the site at 10am the next morning, and security has also been stepped up.

Work had started on the 44 new homes for Loretto Housing, part of Wheatley Group, last summer.

David Fletcher, Wheatley Group director of regeneration, said: “Despite this setback, we are working closely with our partners McTaggarts to make sure these much-needed affordable homes will be delivered on time.”

The homes, a mix of houses and flats for social rent, had not yet been allocated to tenants.

They are still on course to be ready by February next year.