Council Reaffirms Support For Scotland's Housing Expo

26th May 2010

Photograph of Council Reaffirms Support For Scotland's Housing Expo

1st - 31st August At Inverness - Scotland First Housing Expo
Over 50 New Houses - See The Competition Winners All Building Now

The Highland Council has reaffirmed its continued support for Scotland's Housing Expo which will take place throughout the month of August at Milton of Leys, in Inverness.

Members of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee on Wednesday 26 May 2010 agreed to underwrite the event up to a maximum of 100,000 to provide resources for the Board until ticket sales and all sponsorship funding is received.

30,000 visitors are expected to attend the Expo which is the first of its kind in the UK.

Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Ian Ross said: "The Council has been an active promoter and supporter of the Housing Expo since its inception. It is a very important event which will put the Highlands on the national and international stage when it comes to showcasing innovative modern low energy housing designs and stimulating the wider use of sustainable local timber and other Highland materials. An enormous amount of work has already been achieved and from now until the event opens in August the whole site will be a flurry of activity. As a council we fully support the project and the creativity and aspirations it will stimulate. I encourage as many people as possible to take this unique opportunity to come along and enjoy the experience."

After a national design competition, 25 winning entries were chosen to be developed on site. These and a further 27 new houses and gardens will be open to the public. Themed lectures and workshops will run and there will be special activities and events for the whole family to take part in. At the end of the Expo the 8 private developer houses will be for sale while 20 of the affordable homes will be handed over to Albyn and Cairn Housing Association. The remaining 24 homes are being built for the Highland Housing Alliance.

Councillor Jean Urquhart, Chair of the Board welcomed the council support. She said: "It was a bold and not without risk decision to create the event, which has never happened before in the UK. A great deal of interest is getting generated and I sincerely believe it will shape the way ahead for future housing development. The 100K provided to us now should be seen very much as a short-term loan as I am certain the Expo will prove to be a popular success."

See the Housing Expo Web site at www.scotlandshousingexpo.com

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Council Tax Reform: Just How Many Scots Took Part in the Debate?

Council tax is one of those bills that most households know only too well.   It arrives every month or in a series of instalments, and it helps pay for services ranging from rubbish collection and roads to schools, social care and other council services.  

19/9/2026 : Local Authority

Why Scotland Is Reorganising Public Services – And Why Highland Could Feel the Impact More Than Most

Something important is happening in Scotland's public services, and it goes considerably further than another round of annual budget cuts.   The Scottish Government is now talking about changing the way public services themselves are organised.  

18/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £2.1 Billion Investment Plan: Could Higher Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Future Budgets?

Highland Council is planning to spend around £2.1 billion over 20 years on schools, roads, housing, community facilities and other infrastructure.   It is an ambitious programme, and one which could bring considerable benefits across the Highlands.  

17/9/2026 : Local Authority

New Industry Connect Highland programme to strengthen links between schools and employers

Secondary schools and employers across the Highlands are coming together through a new partnership programme designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities and help develop the Highlands future workforce.   Industry Connect Highland, developed through My Highland Future and Workforce North, will run throughout the 2026/27 academic year with an initial focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

15/9/2026 : Local Authority

Help Shape Highland's Future: Call for Ideas Extended Until November

Communities, businesses and residents are being given extra time to share ideas that will influence future development and land use across Highland.   The Highland Council has an open Call for Ideas survey, which is inviting people to share ideas on future development and long-term land use in Highland.  

12/9/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness This Week A Region Facing Big Decisions on Energy, Money and Its Future

Caithness has had a busy week, although the individual stories might not initially appear to have much in common.   Look a little more closely, however, and a pattern begins to emerge.  

10/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council welcomes funding boost to support households struggling with fuel costs

The Highland Council has welcomed an increase of £750,000 of funding from the SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund to support private householders experiencing extreme fuel poverty in Highland.   The two-year grant will support the delivery of the Council’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), funded by The Scottish Government, which funds energy efficiency home improvements that can help lower fuel costs and improve living conditions for Highland residents.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

Councillors set to challenge huge Highland powerline plan

Highland councillors are set to reaffirm their opposition to a massive new 400kV powerline stretching across the region when they meet today.   The North and South Planning Committees are joining forces to consider the proposed Spittal–Loch Buidhe–Beauly transmission project, one of the biggest electricity infrastructure schemes ever proposed in the Highlands.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Why Are Scottish Pupils Falling Behind England? The PISA Results Demand a Rethink

There are few subjects more important to parents than the education their children receive.  It determines not only what they know when they leave school, but increasingly their opportunities throughout adult life.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

From Abeyance to 18 Candidates: What Has Happened to Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Council?” 18 Candidates For 6 Seats

Following the close of nominations on Monday 7 September noon, the statements of persons nominated for each community council have been published on the council’s website.  Now able to confirm that out of 20 Community Councils seeking membership, 15 have formed, 4 have not formed and 1 may require an election as they exceed the number of available vacancies.