The local authority is currently undertaking one of the most ambitious council housing projects with 1375 homes set to be completed by 2024.

One of the newest projects is the 24-unit development at Dickson Drive which is expected to be complete and ready for new residents by the end of this year.

In a landmark move, North Ayrshire Council’s tradesmen will work with contractor Ashleigh Scotland to complete final stage works including wiring and decorating on five of the properties.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for place, said: “This is a very exciting step forward for the council and our Building Services team will shadow and work closely with the contractors Ashleigh to learn how best to carry out this sort of work. They will then complete the works on the five houses.

“This will provide our officers with the skills and insight to enable more of this work to be carried out by the council in the future.

“We are right in the middle of this council’s biggest-ever social housing programme, so there will be opportunities for the team to use these skills and fit-out other homes too.

 “The Dickson Drive development is another hugely exciting project as we continue to provide high-quality, affordable houses for people across North Ayrshire.”

Alongside general needs homes, wheelchair properties and amenity bungalows, the Dickson Drive site will also include two unique ‘sustainable demonstrator homes’. These homes will showcase the latest sustainable design and technology.

The two homes will benefit from features such as integrated solar thermal heating, battery storage and voice control technology. The council will learn from the demonstrator houses and explore the potential of using the technologies in future developments.