Six new affordable homes have been built in Tomatin, following an eight-year project aimed at easing rural housing pressure in the Highlands.
The development, known as Viaduct View, consists of six properties available for rent at the Local Housing Rate. It was officially opened on 28 May during a celebration in the village.
Deemed energy efficient, the homes are designed to help people live and work locally, including families who have struggled to find affordable housing in the area.
Delivered by Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD), the site sits between Inverness and Aviemore. Funding for the project came from SSE, Eneco and Glen Kyllachy wind farms, alongside support from the Scottish government’s rural housing fund.
Social Investment Scotland (SIS) also gave loan funding after earlier delays threatened progress.
The development builds on other community projects led by Strathdearn Community Developments, including a community shop and cafe, an eco-friendly events hall and a community woodland.
Maureen McDonald-Cooke, former project and development manager at Strathdearn Community Developments, said: ‘This project reflects eight years of commitment from the community and the people who supported us.
‘Seeing these homes finished, and knowing they will allow people to live, work and raise families here, makes the whole journey incredibly rewarding. We’re very grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.’
Chris Jamieson, head of investment partnerships at SIS, added: ‘In places like Tomatin, a lack of affordable housing can be the difference between people staying in the community or being forced to leave.
‘Viaduct View shows what’s possible when local people lead, and when the right support is in place to turn ambition into action. It’s exactly the kind of community-led impact we’ve been working to enable over 25 years, and why expanding access to patient, flexible finance remains central to what SIS does.’
Image: Mark Courtney
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