A dozen affordable homes to be built in Tomintoul
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The site of the former secondary school in Tomintoul has been bought in order to build a dozen affordable houses in the village.
Following demolition, building work is set to begin in Spring.
The development will include a mixture of detached and semi-detached homes.
Some will include workspaces to encourage business development and growth within the area.
The sale marks a major step forward for the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust (TGDT).
The trust secured a grant to purchase the school site from the Scottish Land Fund, then another from Highlands and Island Enterprise for the demolition work.
Doug Nisbet, its chairman, said: "This is an exciting and ambitious project that will deliver multiple benefits for our communities over a sustained period.
"The purchase of the site is a significant step towards our vision for vibrant and sustainable communities and builds on the trust’s existing developments.
"We’re grateful to our funders Scottish Land Fund, HIE and Cairngorms National Park Authority for their continued support."
The 12 affordable homes, which will include advanced energy efficiency features, are going to be financed by the Rural Housing Fund.
The trust is now working with Community Housing Scotland to finalise the proposals.
Ronnie MacRae, Community Housing Scotland's chief executive, said: "We congratulate the trust on their ambitious and well thought-out project which utilises a brown field derelict site in the centre of Tomintoul.
"The project will undoubtedly have long term positive impacts on the economy and social sustainability of the area."
Fiona Robb from HIE said: "We’re very pleased that our grant award to the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust will enable works to get underway and support the provision of three affordable live-work homes.
"Population retention and growth, across the region, is at the heart of HIE’s mission.
"We recognise that the availability, affordability, and energy efficiency of accommodation has been a major constraint to inclusive growth in the Highlands and Islands.
"We’re delighted to see the trust bring this ambitious project to fruition in this fragile part of Moray."
