A £1.2 million specialist housing development aiming to keep more elderly and disabled in their home Wester Ross village was last night welcomed.
Eight bungalows are to be built on a green field site at Gairloch – and all will be adapted, or capable of adaption, to have space for vital carer support.
Highland Council has awarded the contract for construction to Inverness-based Compass.
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Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh councillor Ian Cockburn said: “This is great news for the community.
“The homes sound terrific and will be a great boost to those who desperately need them.
“Councils and the Scottish Government are working hard at keeping those who are vulnerable in their home area, rather them being placed miles away from their families.
“It is a common sense approach which is much-needed in this community.”
He added: “Gairloch is quite a trek to places like Inverness, especially in the winter, so having suitable homes for those in need in the village is very much welcomed.”
He added: “Also, with a Highland firm winning this major contract then it also provides an economic boost and job security for locals.”
The housing contract awarded to Compass is for the design and construction of single storey houses on a green field site located adjacent to Ginn Park, off the B8021.
Councillor Allan Henderson, chair of the environment, development and infrastructure committee said: “The contract brief was to supply appropriate housing to augment the offering available to elderly/disabled tenants in Gairloch.
“The site is ideally located adjacent to three existing bungalows and will consist of eight new bungalows, all of which will be adapted/capable of further adaption and will each have space for carer support.
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“The aim is to provide appropriate housing that will enable the target client group to remain in Gairloch, living semi-independently in their own home, for much longer before a sheltered or care home option is required.
“Strathburn House is located nearby to provide further support if or as required.”
Gairloch has a population of around 770 and is a popular tourist destination in the summer months as it is one of the principal villages on the North Coast 500 route.