Highland Housing Fair

The Fair will be an innovative development of around 30 homes at the cutting edge of modern design and sustainable building techniques. It is based on a Finnish concept and this project will be the first of its kind undertaken in the UK. A site has been identified in Inverness and steps are being taken to prepare a masterplan and supporting documentation needed to run an architectural competition for companies and other clients. The winning entries from this competition will be announced at the RIAS National Convention to be held in Inverness in May 2007 and the project will be centre stage as part of the Six Cities Festival of Creative Design/Year of Highland Culture.

Those parties selected for each plot will have to complete their house in time for the Fair to open in May 2009, where it will be marketed as a major event for locals, tourists, companies and construction professionals. All of the properties will be open to visitors for a whole month and there will be supporting displays/exhibitions/events in an adjoining tented village. This project will be developed under the auspices of the Highland Housing Alliance whilst the event and branding will be organised through Highland Opportunity Ltd. The Fair is supported by a strong partnership led by the Council including the Scottish Executive, HIE, CommunitiesScotland, the Forestry Commission and other agencies.