WESTHILL has become home to the first affordable homes being built in the North-east through a new housing initiative.

Developed by the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust, the National Housing Trust is supported by a Scottish Government guarantee, and will deliver up to 160 homes in the region.

The two dozen rented properties are designed to attract people to the area to fill key vacancies, especially in the education and care sectors.

Social Justice Secretary (copyright Scottish Government)

Visiting the Westhill development, Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil (pictured above) said: “This Westhill development is one of several identified for mid-market rent in Aberdeenshire, and the first built for the council under the ground-breaking National Housing Trust initiative.”

Chairwoman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Committee councillor Anne Allan said: “Mid-market rented housing will provide homes to households who are likely to struggle to afford private renting at current market rents and are unlikely to be able to access social housing.”

See here for more details.

Photograph: copyright Scottish Government