The site consists of Coulhill Primary School’s former Janitor’s House and the neighbouring former Children’s Home, which were demolished to make way for eighteen, one and two-bedroom flats for Highland Council rent, including two properties that are designed to be fully wheelchair liveable.

In addition to the new flats, the project also delivered improvements to the pedestrian link from Firhill and its surrounding landscaping, the extension and upgrade of nearby car parks, and junction improvements to the school’s car park entrance.

The development was designed in-house and funded by the Highland Council, and the Scottish Government’s More Homes Division; one of a range of schemes being supported and delivered across Highland to address the acute demand for affordable homes.

Housing and Property Committee chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “Affordable and accessible housing is a key priority in the council’s programme and the completion of eighteen new homes in Coulhill, makes our commitment to delivering affordable, sustainable and energy efficient social housing a reality for those that will make Coulhill their new homes. Allowing people, the opportunity to prosper and grow and in turn support wider economic growth.”

Easter Ross Area Committee chair, Cllr Derek Louden, said: “On behalf of the Easter Ross Area Committee, I’d like to thank all those involved in making our aspirations to improve social housing a reality. We are incredibly proud that the new development is ready to benefit the lives and wellbeing of local people, as they start to enjoy their new homes.”

The main contractor was Inverness-based Compass Building and Construction Services. The appointment of a Highland contractor helps to support the local supply chain and workforce, as much as possible. It has built ten one-bed flats and eight two-bed flats, two of which are adapted for wheelchair users, and all of which are available for social rent through the Highland Council.

The Scottish Government’s More Homes Division boosted the delivery of the Coulhill development with a £1,593,202 grant towards the cost.