Scotland's Housing Expo 'will be a stunning success'

A homes exhibition that has asked for up to £100,000 from Highland Council will be a "stunning success", a councillor has said.

The board of Scotland's Housing Expo requested the local authority underwrite the project until ticket sales generate funds.

Drew Hendry told the planning, environment and development committee that the event would be a success.

The committee agreed to underwrite the project, which will be held in August.

About 50 "green" properties are being built on the outskirts of Inverness for August's Scottish Housing Expo.

A report presented to the committee meeting in Inverness revealed difficulties securing private sponsorship because of the recession.

Expo board chairwoman Jean Urquhart told the committee there were points where it was feared the event would not happen at all.

But she added that the building of the properties had created employment.

Mr Hendry praised Ms Urquhart's work on project.

He added: "It is going to be a stunning success for the Highlands and Scotland."

Planning committee chairman Ian Ross said the council could afford to underwrite the scheme and expressed his confidence in it.

Backed by the Scottish government, Highland Council and the Highland Housing Alliance, the event aims to showcase ground-breaking energy efficient and affordable housing.

The staging of the expo at Balvonie Braes, at Milton of Leys, was postponed last year amid the first signs of a recession.

It was formerly known as the Highland Housing Fair, before being rebranded.