A surge in demand for new homes has led to the Highlands’ biggest housebuilder taking its 150 employees off furlough and bringing back local subcontractors.
Tulloch Homes has reported sales for the past eight weeks are now 28% up on the same time last year.
The company says developments at Wester Inshes in Inverness, Muir of Ord and Conon Bridge are on the verge of being sold out and it also hopes to bring forward three new projects.
Chief executive George Fraser said: “We feel there is a responsibility on us, in the circumstances of the pandemic, to provide work and retain jobs. Therefore, it is good for the community for us to have taken all our people now off furlough and being able to generate work again for our sub-contractors and supply chain in Inverness and Easter Ross.
“Our initial sales rush, after our sales offices had been shut for so long, was a boost but it is even more encouraging that the rate of new sales is actually increasing.”
Mr Fraser said homebuyers in the post-lockdown era are seeking extra office space to do their jobs at home, along with a nice garden.
“Our inquiry rates are showing evidence that more people want to live and work in the Inverness area, which is good news for the city going forward.”