THE FIRST NEW Council homes to be built in Speyside for a generation have seen Tenants moving in this week.

Occupied predominately by local families, 19 new homes have been created under a £2.5million contract with Elgin-based Robertson Homes.

The energy-efficient development saw one of its first tenants – Louise Clark – being welcomed to her home by Moray Councillors. Louise’s home has been adapted to ensure it is fully wheelchair-friendly and marks a new era for the 21-year-old.

She said: “I have been living with my parents, so like many in that situation it’s so exciting to have my own place and independence. I had a look round last week and it’s been built so I can manage everything. It’s just lovely and I can’t wait to move in.”

On the 19 homes eight are cottage flats with some designed specifically for older people, while all the homes were created on a brownfield site that had previously been the home for a cooperage and auction mart.

Chair of the Moray Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor George Alexander, said that the energy-efficient homes will mean that a number of tenants will be able to stay in the area instead of relocating to town centres elsewhere.

He added: “Moray Council is committed to building affordable housing in all our communities. This investment in Dufftown is one of many affordable homes projects to come to Moray, and will give some relief to the housing shortage in Speyside.

“These homes will be economic in energy terms which should help reduce fuel poverty, and will have turned an ugly industrial site into a pleasant development. It pleases me no end to have them ready in time for a spring handover.”

The properties are part of a commitment to the building of 500 new homes across Moray over the next decade.