Category: Corstorphine

Corstorphine Community Centre receives Scottish Land Fund support to buy Westfield House

Corstorphine Community Centre (CCC) in Edinburgh has received £960,000 from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) in order to buy Westfield House, which the organisation already uses as a community hub.

With the money, CCC will be able to purchase the building and to start making internal improvements, including improving accessibility, while at the same time continuing to provide a wide range of services and space for hire.

The grants are amongst six that have been awarded to groups across Scotland by the Scottish Land Fund, which is funded by the Scottish Government.

Amongst those also receiving funding are Tayvallich Initiative, which has received £565,608 to purchase land in Argyll & Bute where it will build housing for affordable rent, along with a number of environmental initiatives.

And Kingsbarns Community Development Trust has been awarded £590,00 to establish a community hub, which will consist of rooms to let, pub, restaurant, cafe, and community shop.

Shulah Allan, Chair, Corstorphine Community Centre, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the local community who have been raising funds since a fire in 2013 to rebuild a community centre for the area.

“We are grateful to the Scottish Land Fund Trust for providing us with this level of funding, which will be added to the funds which are already in place, to complete the purchase of 5 Kirk Loan.

“We still have some more funds to raise for the refurbishment of the building, but this is the final stage for the purchase and our forever home for CCC.”

It’s a double celebration for Corstorphine Community Centre, who will be marking one year in their new home with a fete this weekend.

Martin Mellor, Chair of Tayvallich Initiative said: “The award from Scottish Land Fund will enable Tayvallich Initiative to move forwards with plans to create housing for affordable rent and to promote the use of Rural Housing Burdens for houses and plots so that more people can live and work in the area. 

“We are happy to be starting off with two rental houses as part of the community project. We hope that this long-term project will encourage a good balance in the area between tourism/holidays alongside an established year-round community. Rural areas need enough affordable housing to keep schools open and the day-to-day economy running, and community-led housing projects can help to facilitate this.”

And Sharon Makin, Kingsbarns Development Trust, said: “The Kingsbarns Development Trust is delighted to accept the award of £590,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.

“This will enable us to keep the pub open and is the first step to realising our dream of creating a lively and welcoming community hub in the village including a shop for essentials and local produce.

“Everyone on the team has worked tirelessly to get us to this point. We are so thankful to the Scottish Land Fund, for their guidance and for seeing the amazing potential this funding will mean for the community.”

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform, and Islands, said: “The Scottish Land Fund is continuing to help community groups take control of local land and buildings and manage them in a way which benefits people in their neighbourhoods.

“By 2026 the SLF will have doubled to £20 million which will allow more groups to get involved.

“This SLF aims to place the needs of local communities first and it is clear that the most recent recipients live up to this goal. The successful projects will help to create jobs, mitigate climate change, and tackle social isolation and loneliness.

“I commend them for their efforts so far and wish them all the best in the future.”

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “From supporting rural housing to strengthening urban communities, the Scottish Land Fund continues to empower local people to deliver services that meet their needs.

“It is about listening to communities and helping them to address their unique local challenges, through ownership of land and buildings.”

And Sandra Holmes, Head of Community Assets at Highlands, and Islands Enterprise, said: “The successful projects announced today across Scotland are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities.

“For example, the Great Bernera Community Development Trust in the Isle of Lewis will acquire the former salmon hatchery at Kirkibost to develop into a community-owned social and enterprise hub with space and equipment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and the community. The new hub will be an important asset and helps to create a sustainable future for the area.

“All these projects announced today will help retain the population, attract visitors, and create jobs. Ownership will give the community groups greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.”

Other groups receiving funding are:

Eday Partnership: Award – £225,380

Eday Partnership will acquire a two-bedroom house in Eday, Orkney. The project will assist in providing affordable housing on the island of Eday.

Great Bernera Community Development Trust – £101,447

Great Bernera Community Development Trust will acquire The Hatchery building in Kirkibost. The vacant industrial building will be developed into a social and enterprise hub where people can work, learn, and create together.

Papay Development Trust – £208,596

Papay Development Trust will acquire two houses on the island of Papa Westray, Orkney, which will be offered for affordable rent.

Bute Community Land Company – £32,005

Bute Community Land Company will acquire land at Shalunt, Isle of Bute. The group will install a carpark and other infrastructure to improve the accessibility of their community owned Bute Forest.

Evanton Community Trust – £17,166

Evanton Community Trust will purchase land adjacent to the community owned Victoria Diamond Jubilee Hall which will allow them  to fundraise to extend the Hall and expand the support they currently provide to the local community.

Craigievar House Fire: Emergency Appeal

Can you help the residents affected by this local disaster?

Corstorphine Community Centre is a drop off point for the following items:

Toiletries, and toothpaste/ brushes, deodorants, hair brushes/ combs & sunscreen

New underwear & clothing for adults and children.

Footwear for adults and children.

Toys, teddies and games for children.

Non perishable food items

Can you support this appeal by volunteering to sort and distribute these items?

We are available to receive and give out these items

Friday 16th 10-5pm

Saturday 17th 10-3pm

Drop off and collections at Corstorphine Community Corstorphine Community Centre5 Kirk Loan (opposite Astoria Centre / Winstons)

Thank you

CCC

RHS pupil planters brighten up their local communities

PUPILS from The Royal High School have created planters, using materials donated from Cala Homes (East), to brighten up their local community this summer.

The project saw 30 S2 Craft, Design and Technology (CDT) pupils working in groups to create 12 planters. Six of the planters have been housed at Cala’s Cammo Meadows development in Edinburgh. The remaining six have been donated to nearby community groups, including the Corstorphine Dementia Project and Oaklands School, to help brighten up the local area.

Cala Homes (East) initiated the project as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which it builds, donating both building materials and tools to The Royal High School.

The housing developer contributed more than 108 metres of specially treated timber as well as panel saws, staple guns, small electric chop saws, glue and screws. All the tools and materials requested by the school as part of the project were used under teacher supervision.

Mr Davy Allan, CDT teacher at The Royal High School, who oversaw the design and running of the project, said: “This project has been hugely beneficial for the pupils who have acquired new practical skills during the course of building these planters.

“Pupils were taught how to measure and mark accurately, how to cut complex angles safely and how to apply appropriate finishes to ensure materials are weather resistant.

“Due to the scale of the final product, it also gave pupils an opportunity to work collaboratively to physically cut, measure and move the units around the workshop. They also had to work as a team to get the planters assembled correctly. This experience will help these young pupils understand how these practical skills are implemented in the real world.”

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director from Cala Homes (East) said: “We are delighted to work with The Royal High School on this planter project.

“Not only does the project provide positive learning outcomes for the pupils, it has resulted in 12 stunning planters which have been placed at key locations across Northwest Edinburgh for the local community to enjoy.”

Once assembled, Cala Homes (East) worked with its landscapers Land Technology to fill the planters with a range of eye-catching flowers and plants. The mixture of hardy evergreen and bright coloured perennials will ensure longevity, while providing food and shelter for insects.

The Cammo Meadows development features a stunning selection of one-,two- and three-bedroom apartments priced from £220,000, two- and three-bedroom Capital homes from £335,000 as well as detached homes from £755,000, all set within the desirable suburb of Cammo.

To learn more about Cammo Meadows, or to request a viewing, call 01316 083 081 or visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/cammo-meadows

To learn more about the portfolio of properties developed by Cala Homes (East), visit www.cala.co.uk/east-of-scotland/

‘Our Fete is in your hands!’

CORSTORPHINE COMMUNITY CENTRE APPEAL FOR DONATIONS

Can you support your local Community Centre?

Corstorphine Community Centre are looking for prizes for their raffle and tombola. Every little helps.

Prizes can be dropped off at the centre – 5 Kirk Loan – Monday to Friday, 9.30am- 3.30pm

BIG Thanks

Massive ‘flowering’ roof rolled out at Rowanbank Gardens

1000 sq m Rooftop Natural Sedum Carpet Protects Building Whilst Encouraging Biodiversity

View the video here: https://we.tl/t-kthGXYETj7

More than 1000 square metres of living ‘green’ roof has been laid on top of Rowanbank Gardens, in  Corstorphine, Edinburgh, as niche developer Artisan Real Estate continues to set new standards in environmentally sensitive living.  

The natural sedum roof is one of the largest ever to top a residential apartment building in the city and is the latest sustainable innovation to be added to the development, described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’.

Sedum are hardy yet striking flowering succulent plants with a host of natural properties that make them ideal for roof greening. The plants are virtually self-perpetuating and drought resistant, with shallow roots requiring very little soil in which to grow. Once in full bloom, sedum roofs provide many benefits including natural insulation, drainage and protection from the elements whilst encouraging increased biodiversity by attracting insect and bird life.

Welcoming the rolling out of the new roof, David Westwater Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland said: “It’s wonderful to see such an expansive green and natural space being rolled-out in front of our eyes, surrounding the spectacular penthouse apartments at Rowanbank Gardens.

“It provides another important statement of intent, underpinning our commitment to raising the benchmark of environmental standards across all our buildings – both inside and out. The sedum roofs will attract plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting, beehives and roosting sites. We will also be working with residents and the local community to explore the potential of hosting bee hives on the apartment roofs.”

He added: “We want to create external environments which are both in tune with nature and instrumental in bringing residents together.  We are also planting 150 new trees, plus herb and vegetable growing beds and more than 500metres of evergreen hedgerows. Rowanbank Gardens’ residents will also be able to grow their own herbs and vegetables together in raised growing beds as well as being able to harvest cherries and apples from almost 30 fruit trees.”

More than a third of apartments at Rowanbank Gardens development have now been sold following a buoyant sales start to the year. The development will deliver 93 apartments for private sale set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds. 

Work began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected by the end of the year. As well as an abundance of green open spaces, Rowanbank Gardens also provides smart, energy-efficient internal design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. 

Latest research shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at could be as low as £775 per year – or less than £65 per month – providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £315,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500 making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre. 

To register interest in Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the on-site sales and marketing suite, call 0131 516 3302 or visit the development website at:

www.rowanbankgardens.com 

Moving Forward at Corstorphine Community Centre

NEW GROUP FOR WIDOWED MEN

CORSTORPHINE Community Centre is delighted to respond to local requests to house a group for men who have been widowed.

Volunteer leader Keith says ” It’s important we get out of the house and look forward to something.”

Moving Forward is about you deciding what the group should do next, chat, tea, games & visits. As long as we keep Moving Forward, one step at a time.

Pitched Perfect!

The Sky is the Limit for Double Height Apartments at Rowanbank Gardens

A row of double-height apartments at Artisan Real Estate’s acclaimed Rowanbank Gardens homes development in Corstorphine is proving a high-flying success with buyers.

Each of the six roomy two-bedroom apartments have an extra double-height pitched roof, allowing for lots of natural light to flood through both the full height and Velux roof windows creating a distinctive loft-style feel to the interior living space. 

Home buyers looking for something different have already reserved four apartments, with the remaining two currently attracting significant interest. Work on the development began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected later on this year. And, so far, home sales have been buoyant with more than a third of apartments now sold. 

“The double-height apartments are just one of the many reasons why Rowanbank Gardens is having such a broad appeal to a wide range of buyers,” explains Izzy Bastiani, Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor.

“A major attraction is that the development embraces a range of different styles and layouts, with all the apartments arranged around a large garden and woodland space, filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds.”

Another major draw is the development’s smart, energy-efficient design – which means delivering green, low-cost energy.

Izzy adds: “Rowanbank Gardens design is geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. We aim to make each apartment as energy efficient as possible by using the very latest in technology to encourage low carbon living. 

“Research shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens could be as low as £775 per year – or less than £65 per month – providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.” 

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £320,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500 making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre. 

To register interest in Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.

Corstorphine Primary School pupils kick off The Big Walk and Wheel

Children at Corstorphine Primary School celebrated the first day of The Big Walk and Wheel with a silent disco, walking bus and cycle obstacle course.

The inter-school walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting challenge, organised by charity Sustrans, encourages primary and secondary school aged children to make active journeys.

The children were joined by Transport Convener Cllr Scott Arthur.

Elizabeth Gilles, Depute Headteacher at Corstorphine Primary School, said: “It is wonderful to see our pupils embrace a range of activities for the Big Walk and Wheel.

“We really enjoy taking part in this every year and we can see how walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling can be great fun for everyone involved. Leaving the car at home can also have a positive impact on local traffic congestion and air pollution near the school too.”

Cecilia Oram, Sustrans Head of Behaviour Change, said: “Hundreds of thousands of pupils have risen to the challenge and embraced active travel each year, and this is such a fun event for schools to take part in.

“There’s a serious element to the Big Walk and Wheel too. Not only does the event help reduce pollution around the school gates but in 2019 it helped parents to save an estimated £1.6million in petrol costs during the fortnight.”

ABOUT THE BIG WALK AND WHEEL:

The Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel takes place 20 – 31 March 2023 and it inspires pupils to make active journeys to school, improve air quality in their neighbourhood and discover how these changes benefit their world.

The competition has been running since 2010, initially as the Big Pedal, and sees schools compete on each day of the challenge to make the most journeys by walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling.

Run by charity Sustrans and sponsored by Schwalbe, The Big Walk and Wheel has become the UK’s largest inter-school walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting competition.

A total of 391 schools in Scotland have signed up for this year’s challenge.

More than 2 million active journeys to 1,519 participating schools took place during the 2022 challenge. This resulted in a saving of 1,335 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of 6,000 return car journeys from Edinburgh to London.