A newlywed couple became the first residents of Scotland’s first new town in a generation today (Friday 13 February 2015).
Kelly and Liam Syme, from Aberdeen, were married last year at Drumtochty Castle, Laurencekirk and moved into their new home in Chapelton.
The new £2bn town is located five miles south of Aberdeen and has 4,025 homes however there will be 8,000 homes once it is completed.
The couple were welcomed to their new home by 12 of the town’s workmen, including the three house-builders AJC, Stephen and ZeroC, alongside construction services company W M Donald, who formed a guard of honour – replacing swords with spades.
The couple, who both work in the oil and gas industry, moved into a four-bedroom detached property built by Aboyne-based AJC with the other two house-builders set to welcome residents over the coming weeks.
Lord Southesk, Director of Elsick Development Company, which is leading the development, said: “This is a landmark day for Chapelton.
“After five years of planning and significant investment a new community is being born. By the end of the month the Symes will be joined by a dozen other residents – and by the end of this year they will be one of up to 100 households able to enjoy the town’s first neighbourhood, including a café, nursery school and dental practice.
“Schools, healthcare facilities, parks and community buildings will follow as we build out seven neighbourhoods.”
Speaking of the celebrations, Liam Syme said: “We feel extremely privileged to have been given such a warm reception into Chapelton and our new home. This is a very exciting day for us and the celebrations have made it really special.
“Chapelton offers us a bright future and with this being our first time buying a new build property we have been delighted with the process. We can’t wait to start our lives together in a community that is only just starting out itself.”
Just ten months after work started on site, Chapelton has attracted over 4,000 visitors to its latest show-homes with sales now reaching around 65 per cent of properties available.
Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, said: “Welcoming the first residents to Chapelton is a significant milestone for the north east.
“This is a great model of planning that encompasses broad public engagement and sustainable design, resulting in attractive homes, community facilities and green spaces. I look forward to seeing the town take shape.”
