Expo secures further funds

THE UK's first housing expo has exceeded its visitor targets and brought £543,000 into the Highland economy.

The event held in Inverness last year saw 52 showhouses built, including 20 affordable homes, which created 240 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and generated 5.8 million in wages amid the recession.

Highland councillors yesterday agreed to pay an extra 98,000 to balance the event's books, making their overall contribution 266,000 over three years.

The authority's planning, environment and development committee heard the event secured 2m from the Scottish Government and visitor numbers of 33,182 were over 10 per cent more that the target. According to an economic study, it also promoted the profile and image of Inverness and the Highlands as a place of excellence in sustainable design.