A construction firm has handed over keys to 19 new homes to Moray Council, marking the completion of an 11-month £2.6 million affordable housing project.

Located on a former Dufftown brownfield site, the energy efficient homes represent the first local authority affordable housing project in the Speyside area for over a generation.

Robertson, appointed to deliver the contract in March 2015, allocated a team of 30 construction workers to create the mix of 11 two and three bedroom houses and eight one and two bedroom flats.

Frank Reid, regional managing director for Robertson Northern, said: “This is a very significant development for Moray Council as it represents their commitment to delivering quality homes in rural areas for the people who need them.

“We are delighted to have worked in partnership with the council and to have been involved in this allocation and I look forward to seeing their new residents enjoy them in the near future.”

In its former life, the site housed a cooperage and auction mart, before it was acquired by Moray Council in early 2015 in response to demand for affordable housing in Speyside.

Chair of the Moray Council’s communities committee, Councillor George Alexander, said that the energy-efficient homes will mean that a number of tenants will be able to stay in the area instead of relocating to town centres elsewhere.

“Moray Council is committed to building affordable housing in all our communities,” he said.

“This investment in Dufftown is one of many affordable homes projects to come to Moray, and will give some relief to the housing shortage in Speyside.

“These homes will be economic in energy terms which should help reduce fuel poverty, and they have turned an ugly industrial site into a pleasant development.

“It pleases me no end to have them ready in time for a spring handover.”

One of the first tenants to move into the new development is Louise Clark. Louise has cerebral palsy and moving into her specially adapted, wheelchair-friendly home marks a new era for the 21 year old, who is looking forward to having her own place for the first time.

Ahead of celebrating her birthday later this month, she said: “I’ve been living with my parents, so like many in that situation it’s so exciting to have my own place and independence.

“I’ve had a look round last week and it’s been built so I can manage everything. It’s just lovely and I can’t wait to move in.”