Residents were welcomed into their new homes at Lochside Court in Ullapool last week by Highland Councillors Isabelle Campbell and Graham MacKenzie.

The 14 new one and two-bed flats on Garve Road are built on the site of the former Four Seasons Hotel. They are grouped around a landscaped courtyard with separate parking and private gardens. The properties are highly energy efficient, and have exceptional views across Loch Broom.

Ten of the properties are for rent through The Highland Council and the first tenants have already taken possession of their new homes. The remaining four properties have been made available for purchase through the Scottish Government’s LIFT shared equity scheme.

The LIFT scheme is a Scottish Government initiative which is aimed to help people on low to moderate incomes own their first home. Applicants are normally expected to pay between 60 and 80 per cent of the asking price, with the remaining share held by the Scottish Government.

Speaking after getting a tour around the new flats, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, chair of Highland Council’s community services committee, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sandra to her new home and wish her many happy years here. The redevelopment of the former hotel site in Ullapool has provided new homes which are both energy efficient and low maintenance, not to mention the fantastic views.”

New tenant Sandra Skipper said: “I absolutely love it. Lovely views of the sea, really pleasant, quiet and peaceful.”

The fourteen flats cost £1.8 million to build, with £720,000 in grant monies from the Scottish Government and £100,000 grant monies from the council’s Landbank Fund.

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