Affordable homes development officially completed in Dornoch

The delivery of 12 new affordable homes in Dornoch has been marked by local dignitaries and tenants, completing the final phase of a development by Albyn Housing Society, one of the largest social housing providers in the Highlands, and Springfield Partnerships.

Local MSP, David Green, was joined by councillors, tenants and representatives from Albyn and Springfield to officially mark the completion of the £2.7m development and welcome the final new tenants to their homes.

The delivery of these homes is part of a wider programme by Albyn who are building 600 new affordable homes by 2030 to combat the Highland housing challenge. The highland housing provider has a long-standing partnership with Springfield, who have been delivering quality homes together for over a decade.

Tenants have already moved into their homes which consist of one bedroom flats and two, three and four bedroom houses, including bungalows. Eight of the homes are for social rent, with four set aside for mid-market rent and are part of a wider development of homes built by Springfield.

The homes are highly energy efficient and use air source heat pumps for heating and hot water with tenants receiving one-to-one support and guidance on how to use the system most effectively from energy specialists at Changeworks.

The Scottish Government supported the development with £1.68m in funding, with the remainder privately financed by Albyn Housing Society.

Albyn’s Chief Executive, Maureen Knight, said: “These new homes respond to local housing needs and provide much needed affordable rents in some of the most rural parts of the country. It’s fantastic to have had such great feedback on the high quality finish from tenants who are all settling into their homes.

“Albyn Housing Society is committed to playing our part in responding to the Highland housing challenge and this development in Dornoch is just a small part of our plans to build 600 new homes by 2030. Right now, we have new homes being built across the Highlands including in Ullapool, Conon Bridge and Inverness with plans for many more.”

David Green, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, added: “Scotland faces a housing emergency, and we know the challenge is even more acute in rural areas such as the Highlands. Too often we see young people forced to leave their communities and businesses struggle to recruit because of a shortage of housing.

“That is why it is so encouraging to see more high-quality homes with affordable rents being completed in Dornoch. I will work with Albyn, other housing providers, and the Scottish Government throughout this Parliament to ensure the far north of Scotland gets the homes we need to thrive.”

Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted to see these 12 properties complete, providing a mix of high quality homes, in a location where people wish to live and work. Strong partnerships, like this one with Albyn Housing Society and Springfield Properties are key to meeting our ambition of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 10% will be in rural communities.
“In 2026‐27 we are providing over £50 million to the Highlands as part of a record £926 million investment in affordable housing. We will continue to work with partners to maximise the delivery of more homes, as we recognise that good quality, affordable housing is essential to help attract and retain people in Scotland’s rural communities.”

Springfield Partnerships Managing Director, Tom Leggeat, said:

“We have a longstanding relationship with Albyn, and these homes in Dornoch are the latest high quality, affordable homes we’ve delivered together for people who need them.

“We all recognise the need for more homes in Scotland, most notably in the North of Scotland, to support investment, retain our workforce and ensure we have good places for people to live. Partnerships like this play a vital role in making this happen.”