Loch Ness affordable homes with Nessie spotting potential named after last crofter to work the land in the Inverfarigaig area

A new affordable housing development with views over Loch Ness will commemorate the last crofter to work the land in the area.

The project in Inverfarigaig, near the south shore of the world famous water body, will be named Dodd’s Park.

It is named in honour of Dodd Watt, the last crofter in the hamlet to use the land for food production.

The development is set to deliver much-needed housing in the area, with four three-bedroom homes for affordable rent and two homes available for discounted sale.

Like many construction projects, it faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and rising construction costs following lockdown.

In response to community feedback, the scheme was adjusted in scale, reducing from eight to six homes to better meet local needs and concerns.

The development is being described as a “vital step” towards addressing the housing needs of the wider Stratherrick and Foyers community.

The new homes will help support local families, ensuring that affordable, high-quality housing remains accessible in the area.

This crucial housing initiative has been made possible through the generous support of several key funders:

• Scottish Government’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund

• The Highland Council, who contributed to the new speed reduction scheme in the village and provided development finance

• Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust, with funding support from the Scottish Government’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund and SSE Renewables Glendoe Community Fund.

Scottish Government’s Minister for Housing Paul McLennan said: “We know that more good quality, affordable housing is key to encouraging people to remain or settle in rural and island communities, and that a small number of homes can make a big difference.

“I am pleased that with the support of the Scottish Government’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund of over £850,000 these six new energy efficient homes in Inverfarigaig will be a welcome addition to the local community.

“We’re also investing in rural and island areas through our Affordable Housing Supply Programme, as well as demand-led funds tailored to the needs of rural communities.

“Between April 2016 and March 2024, we have supported the delivery of more than 12,400 affordable homes in rural and island areas, while our Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan is supporting our work to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with at least 10 per cent in rural and island areas.”

Morven Taylor, interim chief executive officer at Communities Housing Trust, added: “Following the land purchase from Forestry & Land Scotland some time ago, we are pleased to see the completion of these community-led affordable homes which will help towards sustaining the population in the community.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from all our funders and the strong partnership working with the Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust and the Community Council throughout this project.”

Director of the Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust, Peter Faye, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that this is hopefully the start of many homes and developments re-uniting a lot of this community back where they belong.”

Most properties have now been allocated, with the exception of one home available for discounted sale.

The handover from the contractor is scheduled for this week, with tenants set to move in as

soon as possible afterward, while sales will progress in due course.

Those interested in the remaining property for sale can find more details on the CHT website: https://www.chtrust.co.uk/current-opportunities-694565.html.

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