The aim of the ‘Ardgay Regeneration Project’ was to deliver transformational change to the village of Ardgay in Sutherland. Due to external economic factors, Ardgay had become increasingly run down, so the project sought to redevelop the village centre at the heart of the community, and to raise civic pride in the area.

The development, designed by CH Architecture, involving several project partners took place on a prominent site at the entrance to the village and to the county of Sutherland; and resulted in the acquisition and demolition of the derelict ‘Lady Ross Hotel’ – creating a landscaped village square, four affordable rental homes and an affordable house plot.The refurbishment of the neighbouring historical barn was completed in 2017, with The Barn Business Centre opening in December 2017.  It provides a high quality, accessible, affordable and flexible serviced office space for business start-ups, entrepreneurs and the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust.

The four flats built by Albyn Housing were completed and rented out in the summer of 2019. This is the first social housing to have been built in the area for 30 years.  The development won ‘Affordable Housing Development of the Year’ at The Herald Scottish Property Awards in September 2019.

The project has brought new economic activity to Ardgay and helped to create employment opportunities, increase the number of visitors to the village, and created a new mixed-use site with space for public engagement.