It is billed as Scotland's first new town for a generation and now Chapelton has its first residents, a newlywed couple from Aberdeen arriving conveniently enough in time for Valentine's Day.
There will be another 8,000 houses to fill before the £2billion development is completed on 2,000 acres of farmland six miles south of Aberdeen, in about eight years.
Some 40 per cent of the town is projected to comprise green spaces, with Chapelton's declared focus being on 'sustainable community living'.
It is said to be loosely modelled on Poundbury, in Dorset, which was inspired by Prince Charles's vision of urban life where roads, schools, health centres, shops and parks blend in with landscaped homes.
Kelly and Liam Syme, who both work in the oil and gas industry, were married last year at Drumtochty Castle, Laurencekirk. The couple were welcomed to their new home by 12 of the town's workmen who formed a guard of honour - replacing swords with spades.
Their new house of traditional design is in Cairnhill one of the seven neighbourhoods planned. They can look forward to a self-sufficient and walkable community with shops, services and jobs, all accessible by foot or cycle; a neighbourhood centre and high street and shops; and a primary school and playing fields that can be used by both students and other residents .
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."
Sites for three primary schools and one secondary school have been identified for first 4045 houses in the town, and another three primaries are due to be delivered when the other houses go up in the different neighbourhoods. The whole town is due to be completed in 2023.
Meanwhile it is planned there will be a supermarket and possibly boutique hotel. There will be a pharmacy and dental services, and a medical centre. However GPs have not yet been identified. But talks continue with NHS Grampian who have had to assure surrounding communities their access to a doctor will not be prejudiced.
Lord Southesk, son of the Duke of Fife who owns the land, is Director of Elsick Development Company which is leading the development. He 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."
Sites for three primary schools and one secondary school have been identified for first 4045 houses in the town.
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."
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