Families, pupils and partners gather to celebrate a community’s determination to support solutions to The Highland housing Challenge.
Six new community-owned affordable homes have opened in Tomatin, marking the culmination of an eight -year effort to tackle rural housing pressure in the Highlands.
Viaduct View, a development of six energy‑efficient homes available to rent at the Local Housing Rate, was officially opened at a community celebration in the village on 28th May. The homes aim to help people stay living and working locally, including families and workers who have previously struggled to find affordable housing in the area.
Delivered by Strathdearn Community Developments in partnership with Tomatin Estate, the homes are located between Inverness and Aviemore and respond directly to local demand for stable, affordable housing.
In a small rural community, the addition of six homes plays an important role in sustaining population and supporting the long‑term viability of local services and employment.
The project has been driven by the community from the outset and reflects years of determination to address a growing housing challenge in the Highlands. Progress was supported by funding from SSE, Eneco and Glen Kyllachy wind farms operating in the area, alongside a major contribution from the Scottish Government’s Rural Housing Fund and our own reserve funds. Additional loan support from Social Investment Scotland (SIS) helped sustain progress and ensured that the development could move forward following earlier delays.
The opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by refreshments at The Strathdearn Hall. The event was attended by local partners and organisations involved in delivering the project, alongside community members and invited guests. Pupils from Strathdearn Primary School were also among those in attendance, underlining the importance of the development in helping future generations grow up and remain within their local community. The new homes build on a strong track record of community‑led projects delivered by Strathdearn Community Developments, including a community shop and café, an eco‑friendly events hall and a community woodland.
Maureen McDonald‑Cooke, Former Project & Development Manager at Strathdearn Community Developments, said, “This project reflects eight years of commitment from the community and all of the stakeholders who supported us. Delivering these homes means young people and families can stay in Strathdearn, supporting our school, our services and add to the long‑term resilience of the area.”