12 New homes
Building for the future…
Our most ambitious project to date, Caledonian Court, saw the building of 12 new homes for affordable rent in the community. The project was 3 years and £3 million in the making, and is a fantastic achievement for the community of Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston.
The project came about as a direct response to the Community Action Plan, which identified a need for more affordable housing. This was further emphasised by a housing needs survey carried out in 2019. After securing funding that allowed the community to purchase the Old Convent Land in 2018, we received overwhelming support from the local community to use a portion of the land to build 12 new homes for affordable rent.
The Homes
The new homes are a mix of 2 and 3 bedrooms with flats, bungalows, and 2-storey houses reflecting the various needs of the community, with homes perfect for a family; a young single person; or an elderly couple.
The Build
After being delayed by the pandemic, work began on site in June 2020. Compass Building and Construction Services, who were the contractors for the build, were soon transforming the site at the south end of the Old Convent Land, and it was fantastic to see the houses take shape overtime. Work was completed in August 2021, and a special celebration event for the whole community was held. This provided a great opportunity to celebrate this fantastic achievement and have a peek at the finished homes!
Applications and Allocations
With overwhelming interest in the new homes, (over 60 people were on the list to be considered for the 12 homes!) applications for Caledonian Court opened in March 2021. Those that applied came from a wide spectrum of the community, which was reflected in the mix of families, young singles and elderly locals, to whom the homes were allocated to in May 2021.
Sustainable and Economical
From the start, we wanted both the new homes, and the building of them, to be as sustainable as possible and to have as little environmental impact as possible. This included using locally sourced stone in the groundworks to reduce emissions. The houses themselves were designed to be as green as possible, as well as easy and affordable to heat. They are highly insulated and heated by Airsource heat pumps. In recognition of our efforts we were nominated as finalists in the Carbon Reduction Award for the 2021 Scottish Green Energy Awards.
Official Opening
Caledonian Court was officially opened by Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for social justice, housing and local government, in September 2021.
“This housing complex truly is the blueprint for moving forward, what has been done here is fantastic and is exactly what we envisage our funds to support.”
Stuart Hood, Chairman of Stronelairg Wind Farm Ltd & Head of Onshore Renewables, SSE Renewables.
Project Funded by
Contact Us
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company
Fort Augustus Village Hall
Fort Augustus
PH32 4DG
Tel: 01320 366 800
Email: contact@communitycompany.co.uk
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company is a Company and Charity registered in Scotland.
Charity No: SC 038513
Company No: SC 327824
Office Hours
Mon – Thu: variable
Fri – Sun: Closed
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company 