Kaite Campbell, Author at hhainverness

Blog: Seasonal safety from HHA

The festive season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. While decorating your home with lights, candles, and other festive touches is exciting, safety should always come first. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a safe and stress-free Christmas.

Christmas trees

Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, safety starts with proper placement and care. Real trees should be fresh and watered regularly to prevent them from drying out, as dry trees can be highly flammable. Check that the needles are green and firmly attached to the branches. Artificial trees are a great option if they’re labelled as fire-resistant. Wherever your tree stands, ensure it’s positioned away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces and isn’t blocking any exits. When decorating, avoid overloading branches to keep the tree stable and secure.

Electrical decorations

Festive lights can bring warmth and cheer but handling them responsibly is essential. Before setting up your lights, inspect them for any signs of wear, such as frayed wires or broken bulbs, and replace anything that’s damaged. It’s also essential to avoid overloading electrical sockets; only use one extension lead per outlet to reduce the risk of overheating. Always turn off your lights when you leave the house or go to bed. Using a timer can make this easier. LED lights are an excellent choice as they consume less energy, produce less heat, and are generally safer.

Candle caution

Candles can create a cosy, festive atmosphere but require careful attention. Always place candles on stable surfaces, away from anything flammable, such as curtains or decorations. Never leave a lit candle unattended, especially when leaving the room or heading to bed. If you’re concerned about safety, consider using battery-operated LED candles. These alternatives provide a warm glow without the risks associated with open flames.

Decorating safely

When decorating your home, think about safety as well as style. Avoid placing too many decorations in one area, as this can create potential fire hazards or make pathways difficult to navigate. Use proper hooks or clips to hang items, rather than nails or staples, which could damage electrical wires. If you have children or pets, keep fragile or small decorations out of their reach to prevent accidents.

Heater and fireplace precautions

Fireplaces and heaters can be key to staying cosy during the festive season, but they also require caution. Ensure decorations or stockings are placed at a safe distance from heat sources to avoid accidental fires. If you plan to use a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and in good working condition before lighting it.

Smoke alarms and emergency preparedness

Your smoke alarms are essential to keeping your home safe during the holidays. Take a moment to test them before the season gets into full swing. If you find any issues, don’t hesitate to contact HHA for assistance. Having emergency contacts readily available, including the local fire service and HHA support numbers, is also a good idea. As a reminder, our emergency out-of-hours numbers are 01463 251132 or 01463 251131.

Staying safe doesn’t mean compromising on festive cheer. You can enjoy a magical Christmas with peace of mind by taking a few simple precautions. Everyone at HHA wishes you and your loved ones a joyful, safe and merry Christmas!

Tulloch Homes and HHA strengthen strategic partnership to deliver more MMR homes

HHA, has strengthened its partnership with Tulloch Homes, part of the Springfield Group, in a deal that will create 31 new rental opportunities in Inverness and Conon Bridge.

At The Maples, located to the south of the Inverness city centre, Tulloch Homes is underway with construction of 23 new homes with an anticipated completion date in spring 2026. This includes a mix of high-quality two-bedroom homes and cottage flats, each with innovative heating systems to keep running costs low.

In Conon Bridge, HHA will take handover of eight MMR homes including a mix of three-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes and two-bedroom terraced houses. These will be available from September 2025.

This follows an initial deal between the firms announced in early 2024 which has created 75 MMR homes at landmark developments in Aviemore, Inverness and Kirkhill. The latest deal is supported by funding from the Scottish Government, The Highland Council, and the Highland City Region Deal.

Last week, Tulloch homes completed the latest 14 MMR homes at The Maples, handing them over to HHA which included the not-for-profit developer’s 500^thMMR property.

MMR homes are typically lower than private rental costs and slightly higher than affordable housing rates, creating well-priced rent opportunities for both families and individuals. Addressing the ongoing demand for rental housing, the homes will help to support the local region which is poised for growth via the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. Attracting £3 billion in fresh investment, new homes for workers are vital to its success.

Gail Matheson, CEO at HHA, said: “The need for new rental homes across the Highlands is by no means a new conversation and there is still a long way to go to address the imbalance between demand and supply.

“However, we are pleased to continue our partnership with Tulloch Homes which is proving a real success. Next year HHA will celebrate its 20^th anniversary and we’re proud to see the positive impact we have made across the Highland rental market within that period, supporting hundreds of local people to find a home.

“MMR plays an important fixture in Scotland’s housing mix and should be recognised for the integral role it could play in improving the nation’s housing challenge.”

Kieran Graham, Managing Director of Tulloch Homes, commented: “Tulloch Homes and HHA are vital partners in meeting the ambitious housing targets across the Highlands. By collaborating, we are making significant progress toward this goal. The Maples is a prime example of a development that caters to a wide demographic, offering a variety of housing tenures.

“Next year marks our 100^th year of building new homes in the Highlands. We have deep roots within the Inverness community and we are proud that we are building on this through our delivery of 764 new homes, across a range of tenures, at The Maples, which will make positive and lasting impact for generations.”

Councillor Glynis Sinclair, Chair of Housing and Property Committee at Highland Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see HHA continue to expand its portfolio of high-quality, affordably priced homes in the competitive rental market. By offering stable housing options for local families and individuals in sought-after areas, we retain skilled workers within Highland communities.

“Mid-market rent has a critical role to play in addressing the region’s housing challenges, and Tulloch Homes and HHA’s ongoing contributions to the Highlands should be recognised. Their efforts in providing well-designed, affordable housing are helping to shape a brighter future for the area.”

Blog: Warming Your Home in Winter

As winter settles in, the cold weather can bring its own set of challenges for maintaining a safe and comfortable home. At Highland Housing Alliance, we want to ensure our tenants are prepared with practical advice to protect their homes during the colder months.

Protect Your Pipes

One of the most common issues during winter is frozen or burst pipes. Letting your taps drip slightly during freezing conditions can prevent water from stagnating and freezing in the pipes. It’s also important to familiarise yourself with the location of your stopcock so you can quickly turn off the water supply in case of an emergency.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is equally important during the winter. While it’s tempting to seal your home entirely to keep the warmth in, good airflow helps to prevent condensation and mould. Using extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen when cooking or bathing can help control moisture levels. Opening your windows for short periods during the day allows fresh air to circulate, reducing dampness. If condensation appears on windows or surfaces, wipe it away promptly to prevent mould from forming.

Heat Your Home Efficiently

Heating your home efficiently can save money while keeping it warm. Setting your thermostat between 18°C and 21°C ensures a comfortable environment while also protecting your pipes from freezing. Using timers on your heating system allows you to control when your home is warm, such as before waking up and during the evening. Keeping curtains and blinds closed after sunset helps retain heat, and if your radiators are not heating evenly, bleeding them can release trapped air and improve their efficiency.

Inspect the Exterior of Your Home

It’s also important to check your home’s exterior for any vulnerabilities. Clearing gutters and drains of leaves and debris helps prevent water from backing up and freezing, which could lead to damage. Inspect your roof for loose tiles or damage that might let in water or cold air. Icy walkways can be hazardous, so salting or gritting pathways can reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Be Prepared for Winter Storms

Winter storms can disrupt power and water supplies, so it’s wise to prepare for such events. Stock up on essentials like torches, batteries, candles, and non-perishable food in case of outages. Staying informed about local weather alerts will also help you anticipate severe conditions and plan accordingly.

Report Issues and Check on Neighbours

If you notice an issue in your home, such as draughts, leaks, or heating problems, report it to HHA as soon as possible. Addressing problems early can prevent them from becoming more serious or costly to fix.

Lastly, don’t forget to check in on your neighbours, especially those who may be elderly or vulnerable. A quick visit or phone call can ensure they are safe, warm, and supported during the colder months.

By taking these proactive steps, you can keep your home secure, comfortable, and protected throughout winter. Remember, Highland Housing Alliance is here to assist you, so if you have any concerns or require support, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can find our contact details, including out-of-hours or emergency numbers, here.

Stay safe and warm this winter!

Testimonial - Nicola Doctor

At HHA, our mission is to provide quality homes that truly make a difference, so it’s always heartwarming to hear directly from our residents about the impact of their new homes.

We recently caught up with Nicola Doctor, who shared her experience of moving into her new HHA home near Inverness earlier this autumn.

Nicola said: “I was allocated a beautiful two-bedroom flat near the city centre by HHA on 4 October 2024. The application was simple, and the whole process was seamless. Clare Stoddart was very supportive and reassuring and was always available if I needed any help or required further information.

“The properties are impressive and less expensive than private rent. You are also better protected in the long term. I would highly recommend mid-market rentals at HHA – I just wish I had considered it sooner!”

Nicola’s story highlights the difference a high-quality, affordable home can make, not only in terms of financial security but also the peace of mind that comes with dedicated support throughout the process. At HHA, we’re proud to offer mid-market rental properties that provide not only great value but also a pathway to stable and comfortable living.

Construction in full swing at Slackbuie

Exciting progress at our development in Slackbuie, near Inverness!

The crane is up and construction is in full swing, bringing us one step closer to delivering high-quality homes for the local community.

First look at Bynack More CGIs

Here’s a first look at the new CGI visual of the 41 stunning flats coming to the Tulloch Homes Bynack More development in Aviemore.

These modern flats will be available to move in 2025 and will be offered at mid-market rent (MMR) via HHA, providing a fantastic opportunity to rent in a prime location.

Keep an eye out for more updates.

Progress update at The Maples

We’re pleased to share that the current phase of homes at The Maples development is now closed for notes of interest, and we’re moving forward with the allocation process!

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest.

Keep an eye out for our next phase, which is set to hand over in 2025!

More high-quality homes are on the way. Stay tuned for updates!

Homes for key workers in Aviemore available to rent

HHA to take handover of seven homes that will support local workforce for the long-term

Leading developer of mid-market rent (MMR) homes across the Highlands, HHA, will take handover of seven homes in Aviemore that are solely available for local key workers.

Located at the Tulloch Homes Bynack More development, seven three-bedroom family homes will be available to rent at MMR tenure from October 2024. MMR is priced typically lower than private rent and slightly higher than affordable housing.

Delivered with more than £500,000 funding support from the Scottish Government via its Rural Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund, the Highland Council and Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, the homes will be allocated to key workers. This includes emergency services staff, healthcare professionals, care workers and teachers.

Importantly, this will help to ensure that key workers have exclusive access to high-quality and fairly priced homes, retaining a skilled workforce in the local community. Now under HHA’s ownership, HHA will manage the allocation of the homes and applications are now open.

The spacious three-bedroom family homes feature open-plan living and kitchen spaces with private garden space. Located in the heart of Aviemore, residents are close to a range of local amenities, including the retail park, train station, and local primary and secondary schools.

Gail Matheson, CEO at HHA, said: “It is vital that local people in rural communities, like Aviemore, have access to modern and fairly priced rental accommodation otherwise we risk pushing
skilled workers away from the region. Rural communities need schools, healthcare services and social care support, and HHA is proud to offer homes exclusively for professionals working in these sectors.

“Enabled with funding support from Scottish Government, the Highland Council and City Region Deal, we’re looking forward to welcoming our new tenants over the coming weeks.”

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Good quality housing is essential to attract and retain people in our rural communities. Supported by over £0.5 million, from the Rural Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund, these homes will have such a positive impact on the community in Aviemore, supporting business and providing affordable homes to families.

“We will continue to focus on boosting affordable housing supply, investing over £600 million this financial year, to deliver more high quality, permanent homes, in the right place for everyone.

“Working with partners, such as Highland Council and HHA, demand led funds such as this and the £30 million Rural and Island Housing Fund, help address specific rural housing need.”

In a separate deal with Tulloch Homes, HHA will take handover of 41 apartments at the Bynack More development in early 2025. Responding to the growing demand for flats in the region, the HHA homes will be available at mid-market rent, complementing its existing portfolio.

New homes for Aviemore key workers

We’re excited to launch seven brand-new homes that will be exclusively for key workers in Aviemore!

Delivered with support via the Scottish Government’s Rural Key Worker Fund, seven three-bedroom family homes are available for rent at mid-market rent tenure from October 2024.

Located at the Bynack More development near the town Centre, residents will benefit from close proximity to local amenities and spacious homes that have been completed to a high specification throughout.

Find out more and register your interest today: https://hhainverness.com/…/aviemore-rural-affordable…/