A young married couple from Aberdeen received a special guard of honour as they became the first residents of Aberdeenshire’s newest village.
Kelly and Liam Syme enjoyed a warm welcome from the workmen who created their new home on the Chapelton of Elsick estate near Newtonhill.
The workers created an arch with their spades as the couple crossed the threshold to their four-bedroom home.
For the couple, moving to Chapelton has been the next step in their lives together, with the two marrying last September
Mrs Syme, 34, a project manager for Subsea 7, said: “We had a flat together in South College Street in Aberdeen but we knew we wanted to move here.
“My parents live nearby and we knew about it from quite early on.
“It is something really different and we like the fact it is a new community. I think it has got the makings of something really.”
Mr Syme, 29, an engineer with Bibby Offshore, said the welcome had been “quite overwhelming”.
He said: “We knew there would be some interest given that we were the first to move in but they have really done something special for us.
“It will be nice for us to look back on.
“I thought after the wedding we would be done with getting our photographs taken, but it was all good.”
The Symes met three years ago at a night out at O’Neill’s in Aberdeen and married at Drumtochty Castle near Auchenblae last autumn.,
They put the deposit down for their house last June and have travelled to see their home take shape on the weekends since then.
While the site is still very much under development. their first neighbours are due to arrive over the next few weeks.
“One of our good friends is moving here in just a few months,” Mrs Syme added.
Outline planning permission has been granted for 4,025 new homes
In the long term the town will have 8,000 homes.
Lord Southesk, director of Elsick Development Company, which is leading the development, said: “This is a landmark day for Chapelton.
“After five years of planning and significant investment a new community is being born. ”
“By the end of the month the Symes will be joined by a dozen other residents – and by the end of this year they will be one of up to 100 households able to enjoy the town’s first neighbourhood, including a café, nursery school and dental practice.
Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, said: “Welcoming the first residents to Chapelton is a significant milestone for the north east.
“This is a great model of planning that encompasses broad public engagement and sustainable design, resulting in attractive homes, community facilities and green spaces. I look forward to seeing the town take shape.”