Council co-leader Cllr Anne Stirling and vice chair of the Communities Committee Cllr Sarah Brown met with Persimmon staff on site, including managing director James MacKay, to hear more about the project, which marks the company’s re-entry into the Aberdeenshire housing market.

The first phase of the development will provide 40 energy-efficient homes, specifically designed to meet the needs of the local housing market. With prices around 20% below the market average, Persimmon aims to make home ownership more accessible for local families.

In addition to new housing, the development will also deliver wider community benefits, including the creation of nearly 80 local jobs across the construction supply chain.

The development is part of a broader investment plan by Persimmon across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with plans for 140 new homes in Newmachar recently approved and further proposals lodged for 333 new homes on the site of the former Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in Aberdeen.

James MacKay, Persimmon Homes North Scotland managing director, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Cllr Stirling and Cllr Brown to Strabathie Shores and show them the progress that’s being made in creating a successful and sustainable new community.

“We’re delighted to be investing in Aberdeenshire and delivering a development that will provide high-quality, affordable homes for local families, while also supporting the local economy.”