A top Highland house builder says it has made a “flying start” to 2014 after reporting its best year since the global financial crisis.
Sales and reservations for Tulloch Homes rose 27% in 2013, its best year since 2008.
And the firm – which is building 350 homes at Slackbuie, near Inverness – is now lining up a return to the lucrative Aberdeen market.
“I’m pleased to report that the market is strong across all areas of our business,” said chief executive George Fraser.
“And the forward outlook for 2014 suggests that this momentum will be maintained – good news for our employees, sub-contractors and suppliers alike, and for the Highland economy in general.
“Work will begin on site in June on the first phase of 53 units at our new multimillion-pound acquisition of the former McGinniss Group land at Slackbuie.
“By the time we build out the 350 homes on that land, it will be an investment well in excess of £80million. Slackbuie gives us a major forward land bank – a massive asset.”
The major new development at Hedgefield House, Inverness, will focus on executive flats, including targeting people downsizing from traditional houses. There will be 10 flats in the refurbished mansion, plus 30 new executive flats in nearby woodland.
Mr Fraser added: “We will also re-enter the Aberdeen market in 2014 with our development of flats in Duff Street, close to the city centre, beginning next month.”
Later this month the show home opens at Tulloch’s new Vista apartment block at Culduthel.
Inverness has had an “excellent year” across the firm’s portfolio of sites in and around the city. The Black Isle developments have also “performed well”.
The roll-out of homes on Tulloch’s major site at Conon Braes will continue throughout 2014 while a fourth phase will begin at High Burnside, Aviemore.