The development will see a mix of houses for rent and shared ownership providing new affordable homes for 8 families including up to 16 children.

The new housing is especially welcomed by the local community as the additional residents will help to boost the school roll and help secure the future of the community school.

Wendy Baikie, Orkney Housing Association’s longest serving committee member and local resident cut the first turf.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see this much needed housing project getting underway. It is the first new social housing in Stenness for 21 years and will be a real boon to the community.”

Margaret Burgess, minister for housing and welfare, added: “This development will provide eight high quality, affordable homes for members of the Stenness community.

“The Scottish Government is committed to creating thriving communities and good quality housing is a vital part of this. Working with our partners, Orkney Housing Association and Orkney Islands Council, we will continue to invest in affordable housing to provide more homes such as these in Orkney.”

The school’s involvement with the project does not end here because the Association has arranged with the contractor to allow the children to visit the site periodically throughout the nine month contract to learn more about the construction process.

The houses are expected to be complete and occupied by November 2015.