The completion of 12 new affordable homes in Dornoch has been officially marked by local dignitaries, partners and tenants, bringing to a close the final phase of a £2.7 million development delivered by Albyn Housing Society in partnership with Springfield.
David Green MSP joined residents alongside representatives from Albyn and Springfield to celebrate the milestone and welcome tenants into their new homes.
The development forms part of Albyn Housing Society’s wider commitment to deliver 600 new affordable homes across the Highlands by 2030, addressing ongoing housing pressures in rural communities. The project also builds on a long-standing collaboration between Albyn and Springfield, who have worked together for more than a decade to deliver housing across the region.
The Dornoch development comprises a mix of one-bedroom flats and two, three and four-bedroom houses, including bungalows. Of the 12 properties, eight are available for social rent, with a further four offered at mid-market rent. The homes sit within a wider Springfield-led development in the area.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the properties are highly energy efficient and equipped with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water. Tenants are supported by energy specialists from Changeworks, who offer one-to-one guidance to help residents maximise efficiency and reduce energy costs.
The project received £1.68 million in funding from the Scottish Government, with the remaining investment privately financed by Albyn Housing Society.
Maureen Knight, Interim Chief Executive of Albyn Housing Society, 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 highlighted the wider significance of the development, adding: “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 also welcomed the completion, noting the role of partnership working in addressing housing need.
“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,” she said. “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.
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“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.”
Tom Leggeat, Managing Director of Springfield Partnerships, added: “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.”
