Highland Council is working with Lochaber Housing Association on the £1.6 million project involving the Belhaven Ward, which closed in 2013.

It will take 12 months R.E Campbell for to redevelop the site. The Scottish Government and Highland Small Communities Housing Trust are helping to fund the work.

Five wheelchair-accessible bungalows are to be created and eight flats.

Blair Allan, chief executive of Lochaber HA, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Highland Council on the redevelopment of the former Belhaven Ward. It is an exciting project, being in such an important location in Fort William, and we are confident that the housing that will be provided there will be a real asset to the town and go some way to addressing the great need there is for affordable housing here.”

Cllr Thomas MacLennan added: “Since the Belhaven Ward closed its doors in 2013 the site has lain empty so I am delighted to see that close partnership working has led to this project getting off the ground.”