WESTERCRAIGS COMMUNITY
The story so far
Robertson Homes embarked on its ambitious vision for the area of Westercraigs on the south-western edge of Inverness more than 15 years ago.
The economic resurgence of the Highland capital together with rapid digital communications allowing greater work flexibility meant there was a need for significant new housing to meet rising demand from both the local population and people wanting to move to the area.
The desire was to create a thriving new community with a range of accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty looking down over the sweep of the beautiful Great Glen.
The key to unlocking the area’s potential was the restoration of the dilapidated and fire damaged Craig Dunain Hospital. Built in 1864 in the style of a grand hunting lodge to offer pioneering restorative care to mental health patients it finally closed in 2000. The painstaking and technically challenging conversion project has given this heritage asset a new purpose and once again it is a stunning landmark which forms the centre piece for Westercraigs.
Renamed Great Glen Hall it now provides 60 highly individual apartments and town houses, loved and cherished by their owners.
As the Hall was being brought back to life a mix of other homes were being built.
Great Glen View - 22 three-bedroom semi-detached and terrace homes
Great Glen Heights – 32 four-bedroom homes
Great Glen Gardens - 60 properties ranging from three-bedroom semi-detached or terraced properties up to four-bedroom detached properties with a Garden Room. The Alexander show home and the three bed Brasini which picked up the Silver Award for Best Starter Home Scheme at the prestigious What House? Awards in 2021 are now sold. - read more here
The masterplan includes provision of more than 70 hectares of open space and as part of the wider development, walkways and cycle paths are being created and mature trees and natural landscaping retained as much as possible to maintain the beauty of the rolling countryside overlooking the Great Glen.
Close consultation with Dunain Community Woodland means a significant area of public woodland has been established, creating an important community space, much loved and well used by residents.
The goal throughout has been to create a high quality, diverse and sustainable neighbourhood bringing new housing stock and investment to the area, and beauty where there was dereliction of the former hospital site.
This is a development in which Robertson Homes, the Highland Council and the local community have taken a responsible and long-term view and are immensely proud of the results so far.
See more about the conversion in our videos:
What's happening now?
Great Glen Rise - The latest phase which will again add to the variety of homes at Westercraigs offers 77 new homes including 20 three-bedroom terraced homes and for the first time, 57 new build, two-bedroom apartments. The 3-bedroom Alexander show home is now open and a brand new flay type in Inverness, the Fenton apartment, will be launched soon.
The three apartment buildings of stone and render will create a gateway feature fronting Forester's Way and Leachkin Road with direct footpath access to surrounding trails and the Great Glen Way.
The apartments will be dual aspect with private balconies and built to the same exemplary Robertson Homes standards with high specification and great attention to design and detail.
We know apartment living has great appeal for a range of customers from those wanting single level living to those just starting out and wanting a place of their own.
Two-bedroom apartments with private patios or balconies are available from £195,000 and the final three-bed terraced homes are available with prices from £235,000. Offers are available on selected plots.
Our first clients at Great Glen Rise have now moved in and are ecstatic with the build, location and development.
Affordable Housing
The vision was always that Westercraigs would be a community for everyone with a range of homes available on each of the phases.
Partnerships are important to be able to deliver this important mix and Robertson Homes is proud to have worked with different partners to provide a range of affordable housing.
In total, so far, 178 affordable homes have been created at Westercraigs thanks to partnerships with:
- Highland Housing Alliance
- Albyn Housing
- Caledonia Housing Association
- Highland Council
Read about some of the first Albyn Housing residents moving in here
Well connected
Fast internet broadband and huge local and central government investment into improved infrastructure have opened up the Westercraigs area to people looking for a better quality of life.
Even before the Covid pandemic there had begun a shift in lifestyles with a new emphasis on open space and access to the outdoors and countryside for both physical and mental wellbeing.
With fast internet broadband now allowing for more flexible working more people are now able to work remotely splitting their time between home and office.
Westercraigs has benefited from significant new infrastructure designed to make the area more accessible and for the city of Inverness to thrive.
The multi-million-pound West Link project – funded by the Highland Council and the Highland City-Region Deal – has transformed connectivity.
A new 1km link road from the Southern Distributor Road at Dores Road to the A82 with a new bridge crossing the River Ness opened in 2019 significantly easing routes around the city and vastly improved commute times.
The new £10m Torvean Swing Bridge is a core element of the West Link Project, forming part of the Torvean Gateway and means motorists no longer need to wait for water traffic to pass through the Caledonian Canal onto Loch Ness.
Wider benefits of the West Link project include:
- Reduced congestion at key junctions for both public transport and private cars within Inverness City Centre
- Encouragement of cycling and walking within the city centre by reducing congestion thereby making for a safer and more pleasant environment
- Improved journey times for movements to/from the west of the City
- Torvean Bridge is opened to canal traffic. It will also improve response times for emergency vehicles and bus journey time reliability
- Enable the development of significant areas for housing and other economic development at Ness-side and Torvean. To date 1,500 houses have been enabled
- Enable the development of a City Gateway at the Caledonian Canal entrance to the city, working with partners such as Scottish Canals
- Provides a new facility at Canal Parks, managed by Highlife Highland, for Highland Rugby Club and the wider community
- Provides a reconfiguration of Torvean Golf Course, with enhanced facilities, golf development potential and a centralised location
At Westercraigs, Robertson Homes, has made a commitment to create a diverse mix of homes from two-bedroom starter homes up to large five-bedroom family homes which means that unlike many other large-scale developments the different phases of building at Great Glen have provided homes to suit every stage of life.
The infrastructure improvements may have opened up the area bringing in new residents, attracted by the quality lifestyle on offer on the edge of the beautiful city, but the investment in a mix of homes has also enabled young people to stay and local families to grow.
Client Testimonials
"People say selling a house and moving is stressful but for us the Robertson Homes’ team made it exciting and happy not stressful.”
When Diane and Kyle Beattie needed more living space they considered extending their existing property in Inverness.
But the layout was tricky and the cost would have been prohibitive.
Friends living at Great Glen Gardens then suggested they look at the same Brasini house type at our Great Glen Rise development and the couple were smitten.
Diane said: “We lived five minutes away so had seen the development starting and our friends were so positive about Robertson Homes we went to look at the show home. We decided very quickly that the house would suit us well and we would go for it using the Easy Move scheme.
Our Easy Move scheme takes the pressure off selling with Robertson Homes managing the whole process and covering estate agent and marketing fees and the cost of the Home Report.
“It was such a smooth process. We had a choice of two estate agencies, Robertson Homes paid their fees and also the house report fees and our house sold within the first couple of days. It really was that easy.”
Reserving off-plan meant they could watch their house being built and they got regular weekly updates from site on progress.
Choosing finishing options is always exciting and the couple visited the Ashley Ann Kitchens showroom in Inverness to see different colourways visualised and got expert advice on what would work best for their lifestyle.
Diane said: “We have pets so it needed to be durable! It’s a lovely process and we felt really involved in creating our new home.
“We love the layout of the Brasini with the central entrance and the living room on one side and the kitchen/dining room on the other and it feels really welcoming and spacious.”
With their house sale going through smoothly, the couple moved into their new home in July and already feel right at home.
“I thought I would miss our old house a lot but we absolutely love it here and have no regrets,” said Diane. “There are lots of other young couples and there’s a really friendly feel.
“Kyle rides mountain bikes and regularly goes on the trails around Westercraigs and with the new access to the Great Glen Way he will literally be able to bike from our front door onto some amazing routes. The location is fantastic.
“We feel very lucky to be here and would highly recommend the Easy Move scheme. I also cannot over emphasise just how accessible and helpful Liz and Graeme, the sales team, were.
“We got regular updates and whenever we asked a question, no matter how minor, they got back to us quickly- they were just so on it! We had a full house handover and after seven days the site manager visited to make sure everything was fine.
“People say selling a house and moving is stressful but for us the Robertson Homes’ team made it exciting and happy not stressful.”
Diane and Kyle, July 2023
"The service we have received ever since reserving our house has been exceptional.”
Read Cara and Kevin's story here
"We never felt pressured, nothing was too much trouble and even now we have moved in we still feel looked after and appreciated.”
Read Ross and Emma's story here
"We are absolutely delighted with the house and the way we have been treated by both Liz and all of the site team”
Read Kayla's story here
"Liz has been fabulous she’s been there every step of the way and has made us feel like we’re the only clients she has to deal with even though she has many.”
Read Shirley's story here
Building a new community
Creating a new community is about more than just bricks and mortar and we like to think that the teams on site set the tone from the start. Friendly, approachable, professional and with a commitment to do the very best they can whatever their role.
As a company Robertson Homes has made a significant contribution to sports and leisure facilities in the area.
We donated materials for a duck pond wall and mural in the Dunain Community Woodland. The mural will sit at the back of the car park next to a picnic bench, in a space near to the new path where it will be more protected from the weather, with no risk of affecting drivers' line of vision.
Through donations or another tree grant from the Woodland Trust, we propose to plant more fruit trees and bushes behind the new adventure playground at Polvanie View and involve families who use the playground with the planting.
We also sponsored the Highland Hero Awards (Carer of the Year Award), Strictly Come Dancing Inverness May 2019 and held a Burns Night Supper Event in January 2019 in Great Glen Hall with a local piper in attendance.
But it’s what the new community does together and it has been great to see a Ladies Walking Group start up and local school children planting trees in the Woodland.
Helping pupils start the day right
When Charleston Academy in Inverness approached us for support to introduce breakfast provision for pupils we were happy to help.
All 140 S1 pupils can now help themselves to wholemeal toast, yoghurt, fresh fruit and cereal bars and can take two different items. It is hoped that the breakfast offer can be rolled out to the entire school later this year if the pilot is successful and further funding is secured.
Teacher and Breakfast Co-Ordinator, Derek Sawyer, who worked on the project with some of the senior pupils, said: “There are proven links between nutrition and attainment, and we want to ensure that every pupil starts the day well-nourished and in the best position to able to concentrate on lessons.
“The school day starts at 8.50am with the first break not until 11.20am, so if pupils come to school without breakfast there can be a real drop in focus and at times deterioration in behaviour.
“We have a diverse catchment area, from both the city to rural areas and pupils can miss breakfast for a variety of reasons. This provision ensures that need no longer be the case.”
We have been so impressed by the scheme that it is now our chosen charity for 2023 and will benefit from ongoing fundraising events we carry out. We have made an additional donation to the parent-teacher council to purchase a number of gifts for their auction.
Robertson Homes Commercial Manager North, Neil MacKinlay, said: “Supporting our young children in this way seems such a positive idea that we have chosen the Charleston Academy Breakfast Club as our charity of the year in the North.
“Starting the day well-nourished is so important on many levels and we are pleased so many of the first-year pupils are taking advantage of this great idea.”
Derek said: “We have the support of the school’s Parent Council and in the future, we could utilise our annual sponsored walk using some of the money raised to contribute to this provision.
“But we will also need the support of the community and we are hugely grateful to Robertson Homes for their support which has helped the club get off the ground. We would love other local companies to follow their progressive and generous lead.”
Westercraigs Chapel
As we await final planning approval. we hope the Chapel will soon be the focus for more organised community activities.
Peter Rennie who founded The Living Hope Church seven years ago talks about his hopes for the re-use of the Westercraigs Chapel.
“We started our Church seven years ago with 16 adults and now have 90, with numbers continuing to grow. We currently rent premises but when we heard about the Chapel becoming available because of the wider Westercraigs development we approached Robertson Homes. We sat down with the managing director John Murphy and our ideas about providing a multi-use, community facility very much chimed with theirs, and things progressed.
“Robertson Homes has submitted the change of use planning application and we are now just waiting for a decision. We will then start fund raising in earnest to make the project a reality.
“As well as being a home for our own church it will be a space very much for the community with a 150/180 person auditorium, a café and an extension at the rear to create flexible space meeting rooms all of which will be available.
“We have lots of ideas about what we would like to do from the Chapel and how we can use the building and hopefully the community will too.”
Profile of the Robertson Team
Graeme Macpherson
Senior sales executive Graeme Macpherson has worked with Robertson homes for nearly a decade, during which time he has witnessed the remarkable transformation of the Craig Dunain area. It has evolved from the shadow of a partially demolished hospital into a vibrant community, now home to over 180 residents. Many of these are young families, embarking on their life journeys.
The Craig Dunain community is akin to a hidden village, nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Inverness. Yet, it remains conveniently close to all that Inverness has to offer, creating a unique and enriching living experience.
Graeme said, "While I'm not originally from Inverness, I've discovered that this location offers something truly outstanding. With woodland walks, the beauty of nature, and open spaces right on your doorstep, it's an environment that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. The surroundings alone make it a very special place to call home.
"However, what truly sets this community apart is its people. The residents of Craig Dunain have a unique quality of making everyone, whether a long-time local or a newcomer like myself, feel welcome and part of something special. Their warmth and friendliness creates an inviting atmosphere that goes beyond the stunning landscape. It's a place where you not only find solace in nature but also in the genuine connections with your neighbours.
"I feel privileged to be a part of this community and to witness its continuous growth and transformation."
Malcolm Milne
As Project Manager for Robertson Homes, Westercraigs, Malcolm Milne is the mastermind ensuring that all the build elements come together at the right time, overseeing the new homes from start to finish.
With the final properties at Great Glen Gardens now completed, Malcolm is concentrating on the first phase of Great Glen Rise with the first kits now erected.
He said: “Start on site is always busy and we have to be aware of how that activity impacts residents already living here. We have good relationships with our contractors who understand and share Robertson Homes’ values and customer care and it is all about forward planning to minimise disruption and working together.
“We will be building a range of house types at Great Glen Rise as well as three apartment buildings designed to meet robust regulations and detailing.”
Originally from Fife, Malcom and his wife moved to Inverness to be close to their daughter Laura and six-year-old grand-daughter Esme.
He worked first with Robertson Partnership before moving to the Westercraigs project last August.
He said: “I don’t think there is a finer back drop to a new development than the setting at Westercraigs. The restored old hospital is wonderful and then behind are the mountains of the Great Glen Way. It really is unique.
“And the development is designed to make the most of this with footpaths taking you out onto the trails and new paths and play areas.”
While seeing the homes completed and handed over is satisfying it is the reaction of customers that Malcolm works for.
He said: “A good review is the be all and end all for me. If a customer writes that they are over the moon with the quality of their house and delighted with everything then that means so much. That is what we all work towards.”
Energy efficient new housing
Energy Savings
A new home at Westercraigs could save you over £3,100* a year on energy costs compared to an older property, when energy prices rise again this year.
Energy efficiency is at the heart of every new Robertson Homes property. From the timber frame structure from sustainable sources to the energy saving appliances inside, we’re passionate about building in a way that has a positive impact on you, the environment and your energy bills.
You’ll find energy efficient features inside and out:
- Sustainable timber frame has excellent thermal and airtight properties
- Low energy light fittings in every room
- Highly efficient double glazing
- Water-saving appliances in kitchens and bathrooms
- Renewable technology through solar electricity panels
- Gas boilers with over 93% efficiency
- Floor to ceiling windows flood our homes with light, reducing the need for artificial light
Benefits of timber frames
This natural material allows us to create flexible and stylish living spaces that are highly energy efficient.
- They're environmentally friendly
It uses considerably less energy to produce than other forms of construction, plus contains a high level of insulation that reduces the amount of energy needed to heat it.
- They're energy efficient
It uses manufactured wall, floor and roof panels that have excellent thermal and airtight properties, reducing draughts and lowering heating bills.
- They're sustainably sourced
It comes from FSC certified sources, ensuring that any timber cut down will be replaced.
Know your energy efficiency rating
We can prove how energy efficient we are too. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a building is. A is very efficient and G is inefficient.
Up to December 22, 85% of new builds were given an A or B EPC rating compared to less than 4% of older properties*. All of our homes are rated B and above.
Discover the EPC rating of your current home
If you live in England, visit: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
If you live in Scotland, visit: www.scottishepcregister.org.uk/CustomerFacingPortal/TermsAndConditions
*Information source: Home Builder’s Federation’s (HBF) ‘Watt a Save’ report.
Amenities
Schools
Westercraigs is in the catchment for Kinmylies Primary School, a popular school which also offers nursery provision.
Sitting alongside is an After-School club which provides a stimulating and safe environment for children which is a boon for working parents.
Find out more about Kinmylies Primary School.
The primary is one of the feeder schools for the respected Charleston Academy High School.
Duckpond Parking
The duckpond is already highly popular and while many people are able to walk there is a need to accommodate more visitors who travel by car.
We have now added a further eight car parking spaces with a new footpath link to the existing path network circling the duckpond. Signage has also erected to deter overnight parking.
Sports
Golf - The highly rated Kings Golf Course is on the doorstep of Westercraigs and membership is available.
Touch Rugby – Inverness Lynx is a welcoming friendly club based in the city.
Shinty – Inverness Shinty has an Academy which focuses on primary children with 350 children from 15 different primary schools now trying and taking up shinty. Find out more here.
Retail Offering
We're providing planning approval for the provision of a local shop.
Plans have been submitted to the Highland Council for a retail site that would sit next to the Westercraigs Chapel.
We have interest from retail developers to take the project forward should the outline planning application be successful.
The combination of a high quality local store alongside the facilities being proposed within the Chapel will create a welcome community hub for the Westercraigs area.
Footpaths and Playparks
The Great Glen Way is on the doorstep and Robertson Homes has upgraded miles of public footpaths and created new ones to encourage people into the great outdoors, with new signage to benefit visitors using the paths.
The development itself is designed to be pedestrian friendly with great thought given to linking footpaths through the development to join up with the surrounding path network so residents can step out of their door and be right onto a countryside trail.
The footpath leading from Stornoway Drive to the Great Glen Way and the path leading up from Kilvean Cemetery to Ruighard Place have both now been successfully completed. This section of footpath incorporates areas for play equipment which is now open for use.
The footpath improvement works and Adventure Playground behind Balachlan Drive were successfully completed early 2023. The playpark is now open and being used by residents.
