Local MSP, David Green, joined tenants and representatives from Albyn and Springfield to formally mark the delivery of the £2.7 million development and welcome the remaining tenants to their new homes.

The move is part of a wider objective of Albyn’s who are building 600 new affordable homes by 2030.

Albyn has an established partnership with Springfield, delivering homes in partnership for more than 10 years. 

Tenants have already moved into their new homes. The new homes are comprised of one bedroom flats and two, three and four bedroom houses, such as bungalows. Eight of the homes are for social rent, while four are for mid-market rent and form part of a wider scheme of homes delivered by Springfield.

The homes use air source heat pumps to generate heating and hot water. Tenants get one-to-one support on how to use the system efficiently from energy experts from Changeworks.

The Scottish Government allocated £1.68m in funding for the development. The remaining financing came through private funding from Albyn. 

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, said: “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.”

Housing secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, 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.

“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 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.”