INVERNESS-based builder Tulloch Homes is returning to the booming Aberdeen housing market for the first time in a decade as part of a £30 million programme that will add 100 posts to its 170-strong workforce.
Shareholders, investment bank Goldman Sachs and private equity house TPG approved five new projects to be undertaken by the company, including a £10m 46-flat development in the Granite City.
Chief executive George Fraser said: "This represents our largest combined investment in almost a decade and it is good news for our employees and our supply chain and sub-contractors.
"It is also extremely encouraging for the construction industry, which is so important to the Highland economy.
"This will create 100 jobs in Inverness, plus 30 in Aviemore and 50 in Aberdeen.
"This is in addition to the 170 construction jobs currently sustained in our existing developments."
The move comes after the company recorded its best half-year sales performance since the global recession hit in 2008 with a 15% rise in completions.
"We have a history of working in Aberdeen but that discontinued ten years ago", said Mr Fraser, "Although we have carried out developments in Aberdeenshire.
"This opportunity in Duff Street, just off the main city centre, arose and is such a strategic location that we have agreed it should be our platform back to the Granite City.
"This may well influence us to investigate further development in Aberdeen."
Tulloch will invest £7m in redeveloping Hedgefield House, Inverness, to create nine apartments while building 38 more in the grounds of the mansion.
A further £4m is allocated to building 24 detached and semi-detached bungalows at Black Isle View, Kirkhill, for completion next spring, plus £5m on 24 flats at Culduthel Farm for occupation next January.
Cairngorms National Park has also approved a £5m development of 20 homes in the High Burnside development at Aviemore.
Mr Fraser said: "The sales surge in recent months is a significant indicator of growing confidence in the Highland economy."
Housebuilders across the UK have reported surging sales and profits in recent weeks as governments on both sides of the Border unveiled subsidy schemes for those seeking mortgages on new-build properties.
Three months ago, Lloyds Banking Group sold its 40% share of the company to Goldman Sachs and TPG.
The rest of the company is owned by its managers.
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