Newlyweds become first residents of new town Chapelton

A newlywed couple have become the first residents of Scotland’s first new town in a generation.

Kelly and Liam Syme, who both work in the oil and gas industry, were married last year at Drumtochty Castle, Laurencekirk, and received a guard of honour as the moved into their new home at Chapelton, south of Aberdeen, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

With outline planning permission for 4,025 new homes, Chapelton will eventually have 8,000 properties to meet the growing needs of the north-east.

Lord Southesk, director of the 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 caf, nursery school and dental practice.

Communities Secretary Alex Neil said it was a “significant milestone”.