Construction has begun on 91 homes at Mackie Village on Ury Estate, by FMR Construction for Hillcrest Housing Association.

Local stakeholders including Andrew Bowie MP, Cllr Sarah Dickinson and Cllr Sandy Wallace joined Andrew Rae from FM Construction and Angela Linton, Hillcrest Housing Association Chief Executive, to break ground at the Stonehaven site (see Notes to Editors for images – attached – line up).

Members of Stonehaven and District Community Council were also in attendance.

FMR Construction, part of the FM Group, will deliver high-quality housing for this bespoke village, which is on the 1,600 acre Ury Estate. The £12.5 million development was approved at committee in January this year.

The Mackie Village site is located next to the new Stonehaven retail outlet, which has seen construction recently start for a new 3,750 square metre supermarket.

The Estate development has historic mid-nineteenth century B-listed Ury House as its centrepiece. This is a key component of an £80 million golf resort featuring a course to be designed by legendary US golfer Jack Nicklaus, a restaurant and high-quality housing.

FMR Construction is involved in a raft of other construction projects, including a £14m construction contract to convert the Scottish Power headquarters in Glasgow, Cathcart House, into residential accommodation.

It also recently completed a high-quality new build residential development in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh and undertook the restoration of Dalnair Castle and Estate in Stirling. 

Andrew Rae from FMR Construction said: “The Mackie Village project is a great opportunity for us to work with Hillcrest on Ury Estate. 

“FM Group has a long-term programme of works in north east and will be involved in new infrastructure, the redevelopment of Ury House and further housing in the area. We will be looking to establish a strong management team and that task is currently underway.” 

Angela Linton, Hillcrest’s chief executive added: “This is our first development in Aberdeenshire and Hillcrest is looking forward to working with FMR Construction to provide 91 much needed affordable homes in Stonehaven. Hillcrest appreciates the support from Aberdeenshire Council and our funders, The Scottish Government, in helping to bring this project to fruition.”