Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company social housing opened by Scottish Government Minister Shona Robison

A £3 million social housing project, built by the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company (FAGCC), has been officially opened by Shona Robison, cabinet secretary for social justice, housing and local government.

With a significant amount of the funding for the housing coming from local wind farm community benefit funds, developers said it was fitting that the 12 new homes for local families have green energy technology at the heart of their design.

The homes have been built to a "high standard" of energy efficiency, with air source heating providing them with economical heating and hot water all year round.

Locally-sourced stone from an adjacent borrow pit was used to cut down on transport costs and emissions.

Longer lasting materials have also been used to cut down on maintenance and replacement, reducing waste. The development includes cycle stands to encourage active travel and grounds landscaped with more than 500 trees and shrubs, including fruit trees and soft fruit bushes.

MSP Ms Robison, said: “I am delighted to officially open these 12 impressive new homes which have been supported by the Scottish Government’s rural and islands housing fund.”

Councillor Margaret Davidson, leader of Highland Council and ward councillor, said: "All who have taken part deserve acclaim, especially the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company, as they have stuck with the project through some really sticky patches, and I am truly delighted at the outcome.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.