'Fit Homes' plan for Lairg unveiled
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Plans for a new £2.3 million rural housing project in Lairg have been unveiled.
Albyn Housing Society is working with Lairg and District Community Initiatives (LDCI) to progress the eight-home development on a site in the centre of the village formerly occupied by the Sutherland Arms Hotel.
The project was launched last week with a site visit and a community drop-in event, organised by LDCI.
Four two-bedroom bungalows are planned along with four one-bedroom “Fit Homes”.
Fit Homes are fitted with sensor-based technology with the aim of supporting vulnerable tenants to stay at home independently for longer.
A system of ambient sensors monitor the daily habits of the home’s occupant, enabling family, friends, and carers to keep a remote check to ensure that all is well.
Funding for the development has come from a collaboration comprising LDCI, the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, Highland Council Infrastructure Fund and the Scottish Government More Homes Division.
Members of the public at the drop-in session had the opportunity to talk to the developers and architects.
Albyn Group chief executive Kirsty Morrison said: “Rural areas like Lairg need more social housing and also need the extra support Fit Homes can provide within communities.
“Technology can be an enabler if developed with the people that it is designed to serve and we in Albyn have been working for some time to develop a system of sensors that works effortlessly for our tenants while providing the support and assurance needed to enable people to remain at home in their community, pushing back the timeline where out of area care homes becomes the only solution.”
Lairg and District Community Initiatives chairwoman, Kaye Hurrion, said: “This amazing project is poised to bring about a truly transformative impact on our community."
Highland Council’s Housing and Property Committee chairwoman, Cllr Glynis Sinclair said: “The new, eight-home development aims to address the need for individual support and social housing in the Highlands.
“We know the importance of enabling people to live independently in their own home and the Fit Homes technology offers the opportunity for people to remain at home whilst offering the confidence and reassure to the individuals, family and care givers that is needed."
The estimated completed date for the development has been given as May 2024.
