A £9.2m project that will bring modern affordable homes to families in Inverness has moved a step closer to completion as the first timber frames are installed.

The new community in Slackbuie includes 69 environmentally friendly houses and flats, with construction work being delivered by Robertson Partnership Homes on behalf of Caledonia Housing Association.

Each home is built to last, using high quality timber frames with solar panels installed to provide tenants with environmentally sustainable energy. Construction work got underway in April with work expected to complete in a year’s time, with the first residents set to move in ahead of Christmas 2020.

James Freel, Managing Director of Robertson Partnership Homes, said: “At the heart of Robertson Partnership Homes is the desire to provide long-lasting and high-quality homes to communities which really need them.

“As the capital of the Highlands, Inverness has established itself as a modern and desirable location, recently being named the best city to live and work in the UK. We’re proud to be able to contribute to the quality of life in the city and provide what will be a transformative development for the local community.”

The project also includes wider community benefits, with Robertson Partnership Homes working closely with Inverness High School to gather ideas and designs for a public art project, with an aim to involve the local community with the build as well as provide young people with an insight into the industry through site visits and talks.

Julie Cosgrove, Chief Executive, Caledonia Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to be able to work in partnership with Robertson Partnership Homes and Highland Housing Alliance to provide a range of affordable housing options for this new and expanding community. We are committed to bringing quality homes to support people who want to live in this new and steadily growing suburb of Inverness.

“These 69 modern, high quality and energy efficient properties will provide residents with warmer homes that have fewer carbon emissions and are cheaper to run. The mix of houses and flats will be available for mid-market rent, will provide social housing and will also offer the opportunity to buy on a shared equity basis.”

Gail Matheson, Chief Executive at Highland Housing Alliance, which is purchasing some of the homes, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Caledonia Housing and Robertson Partnership Homes to purchase 15 of its units for mid-market rent, which will provide quality homes in line with local requirements and will also help to attract younger people to stay in the Highlands.”

Prior to construction work beginning, archaeological investigations carried out by a Robertson sub-contractor revealed some significant findings which will add to the historical information available for this part of Inverness. The full details are set to be revealed in a document released by the Highland Council.