A new ‘FitHome’ village in the Highlands, which uses data-gathering equipment and artificial intelligence to support independent living, could be replicated around the world, according to a partner in the ground-breaking project.
Fitted with technology to monitor the wellbeing of residents around the clock, the first homes, developed by Albyn Housing Society with modular house builder Carbon Dynamic and NHS Highland, were unveiled at Dalmore, by Alness, in Easter Ross, yesterday.
Fourteen people who have moved in will help test the houses and shape future projects, some of which are in planning for areas including Inverness and Nairn.
The Invergordon-based Albyn, the Highlands’ largest housing society, started exploring options for new preventative systems after a tenant was found dead in his home in 2008, having lain unnoticed for more than a year.
Albyn head of innovation Lucy Fraser said everyone should have the choice to live safe and well in their homes and communities as long as they want. She said: “The FitHome and its social business model is replicable throughout Scotland, the UK and globally, delivering a real solution that puts the customer first as well as directly addressing inequality and growing healthcare challenges, and creating training and employability opportunities.”
The project concepts have been supported by a Scottish Government housing grant, funding from the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal and finance from Triodos Bank.