Invergordon site could create housing boom in town

DOZENS of affordable and social homes could be built in Invergordon after Highland Council bought a site at Cromlet, south of Harbour View.

The local authority has snapped up the site, which could accommodate up to 100 homes, for £715,000.

Councillor Maxine Smith, who has long campaigned for new housing for the town, believes the homes promise a "bright future" for Invergordon.

"We could be looking at council houses, Albyn houses, LIFT houses, as well as mid-market rentals and private housing. I see a bright future for the town, now things are starting to move forward," she said.

She added that people want to rent social housing in Invergordon, but some also want to buy privately.

"To this end I managed to include two new housing sites in the Inner Moray Firth Local Plan a few years ago. These were the northern end of the Cromlet site, opposite the rugby club and the farmland at Davidson Drive, surrounding the farm buildings.

"Both landowners were approached and the latter is under discussion."

She added: "Invergordon has so much to offer in terms of employment, both at the base and industrial estates, as well as the cruise sector, but people need a decent roof over their heads."

The purchase was funded through grants from the Scottish Government. There is no timescale yet for any development or the mix of housing.