Barratt Developments – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Barratt Developments branches out with Edinburgh Zoo ‘tree-cycle’

Barratt Developments East Scotland has partnered with Edinburgh Zoo to recycle and donate felled trees from its upcoming Livingston development.

Barratt Developments East Scotland – which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – has donated 21 felled trees from its recently acquired Houston Road site, Woodland Gait, which will launch later this year.

The trees were removed due to them being in a poor condition, creating public safety concerns, or because they were low quality with low biodiversity benefits.

Following the tree removals, Barratt Developments will plant approximately 152 new trees across the site to support local wildlife.

In line with its approved landscape strategy, the new tree species include Rowan and Hazel, as well as other native species.

A robust landscape strategy has been approved for the Houston Road development, including native planting and various biodiverse elements such as the installation of hedgehog highways, along with bird and bat boxes.

Following the donation, Edinburgh Zoo, which is operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), will repurpose the trees, with a significant portion being distributed to the Zoo’s resident giraffes, which consume an average of 75kg of plant matter every day.

Larger branches and trunks will also be used as climbing structures and apparatus within the ape and giant panda enclosures, enriching the animals’ habitat experiences. Meanwhile, designated portions of the trees, such as trunk bases and off-cuts, will undergo natural decomposition processes, attracting insects which are ideal for the dietary needs of Giant Anteaters.

The distribution of the repurposed trees across the diverse animal habitats within the zoo will help to ensure that there will be minimal waste, building on both Barratt Developments’ and Edinburgh Zoo’s shared commitment to sustainable practices and lowering carbon footprints.

Jason Watt, Technical Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Edinburgh Zoo with the donation of trees from our new Livingston development on Houston Road.

“Not only does this partnership support our sustainability commitments, it will also be beneficial to the animals and their enclosures.

“Looking forward, we hope to continue to support Edinburgh Zoo’s mission of fostering an appreciation for wildlife and habitat conservation.”

Robert Harden, Head Gardener at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We were delighted to accept the offer of trees and branches from Barratt’s new site in Livingston.

“We have since used the material as a source of food, branching and perching for the animals, and what was left after chipping has been used as a mulch for feeding the willows and growing on site for the giraffes.

“We pride ourselves with not only trying to educate and preserve endangered species of animals but also to try and work in tandem with the landscape environment itself. That’s why every bit of material that we received from Barratt has and will be used to benefit the animals and the growing environment.”

For more information on Barratt Homes in Scotland, visit: barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Barratt Developments donations support local communities

Three vital causes supporting families and individuals in Edinburgh and the Lothians have been named the first recipients of this year’s Barratt Developments Community Fund.

Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, currently donates £1,500 per month to local charities in its divisions as part of the homebuilder’s pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.

The homebuilder kicked off 2024 by donating £3,000 to its new East of Scotland main charity partner, Cash for Kids.

The charity aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people living locally who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs. The cause also works with grassroots organisations that aim to make a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.

Cash for Kids replaces St Columba’s Hospice Care as the East Scotland division’s main charity partner, having raised a whopping £247,909 in the last two years through fundraising, including a Pentland Hills walk, charity dinners and office events.

Victoria Hendry, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to receive the Barratt Community Fund for this first quarter of the year. This £3,000 will make such a difference in our local community, specifically to families really struggling with the cost of living.

“We are receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of requests for support with real basics such as food, toiletries and nappies, so these funds will go a long way in supporting us with helping these families who are living on our doorstep.

“To also be chosen as Barratt East Scotland’s new main charity partner was really just the cherry on top. I was delighted to get the phone call and we are excited to build some brilliant fundraising plans across the next two years and help even more local children.”

In February, a further £1,500 was given to Capital Carers, which supports carers in the North West of Edinburgh.

The organisation’s highly trained staff provide one-to-one support as well as a range of services which enable individuals to support the person they care for and assist them in carrying out their caring responsibilities, while ensuring that they also look after themselves.

Lauren Alexander, Young Carers Support Worker at Capital Carers, said: “A huge thanks to Barratt for this generous donation, it will enable us to provide respite trips for young carers and young adult carers which we would otherwise not have been able to do.

“All of our carers love interaction with animals, and this therapeutic approach can really benefit those with challenging situations. Horses are a big favourite, but it is an expensive activity. The money will allow us to take several groups horse riding, alpaca trekking, a trip to the zoo and going out to eat.

“The funding has already allowed us to take young carers on active respite trips, to Laser Tag, swimming and escape rooms, and meals out where all carers can relax together, make new friends, reconnect with old ones and have that important peer support.”

Finally, in March, Barratt Developments donated £1,500 to Midlothian Foodbank.

The charity, which is supported by The Trussell Trust, provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people in need in the Midlothian area.

Ian Purves, from Midlothian Foodbank, said: “Thank you to Barratt for their generous donation to Midlothian Foodbank.

“The donation will help people in our area struggling with the cost of living and support them with emergency food parcels, food vouchers for families in school holidays, or a hot meal at one of our two weekly lunches.

“They also have access to an advisor from Citizens Advice who is present during one of our lunches. All this helps to reach our aim of ensuring that no one in Midlothian goes to bed hungry.”

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “We’re proud to be supporting causes which are carrying out such essential work in communities throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“From foodbanks through to care, cost of living has placed a significant strain on the services that charities can provide. We hope that our donations can help to alleviate some of this pressure and allow causes to continue supporting families and individuals in the communities in which we build.”

For more information on Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit:

https://bar.homes/east-scotland

Local charities benefit from share of £520,900 national boost from Barratt Developments

The housebuilder donated £188,000 to good causes across the Lothians and Fife in 2023, including those which help vulnerable children and mental and physical health support services

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £520,000 in donations across Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting health, employability and care among many other causes.

This is done through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,500 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month.

Over the last 12 months, Barratt Developments has provided financial support to a diverse mix of charities throughout the Lothians and Fife – coming at a vital time when many families, individuals and organisations have been affected by rising costs.

In total, £188,000 has been donated to good causes in the Lothians and Fife.

Support was given to multiple charities, with a £157,940 donation given to St Columba’s Hospice Care, which provides specialist palliative care to people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Granton-based charity Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, which rescues surplus food to make meals for those in need, also received a funding boost of £10,000.

Other organisations which received funding from the housebuilder in 2023 included Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project, a Fife-based charity that provides support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse; Simpson Babies Special Care which helps to provide essential care for premature and sick newborn babies; Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which provides support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse; and mental health charity Health in Mind.

Alison Condie, Barratt Developments’ Managing Director for East Scotland, said: “As the country’s leading housebuilder, we are committed to creating a positive legacy and making a genuine contribution towards the communities in which we build our homes.

“Our teams have raised a fantastic amount which has been donated to a variety of causes this year – touching the lives of countless individuals and families in need.

“The funds raised will be used to support a wide range of initiatives, including providing food and shelter to the homeless, offering opportunities to underprivileged and vulnerable young people, and providing vital healthcare and wellbeing support for those who are struggling.

“There is so much important work being undertaken by organisations up and down the country, and we look to continue supporting a diverse mix of causes in 2024. We would like to thank everyone who suggested charities and supported our fundraising activities this year.”

The full list of 2023’s beneficiaries includes:

· CFINE

· Aberlour Childrens Trust

· AberNecessities

· BECS Because Everyone Counts

· Rainbow Rogues

· Mikeysline

· Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed

· Station House Media Unit

· The Seed Box

· Look Good Feel Better

· Tayside Dynamos

· 865 Portlethen Air Cadets

· North Sound Cash For Kids

· WhizzKids London Marathon

· Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation

· Dundee Bairns

· Friends of ANCHOR

· St Columba’s Hospice

· Smart Works Scotland

· Stepping Stones

· SiMBA

· Guide Dogs for the Blind

· Move On

· Health in Mind

· Simpson Babies Special Care

· Sleep Scotland

· Cyrenians

· Edinburgh Women’s Aid

· Lasswade Community Rugby Trust

· The Lighthouse Club East Scotland

· Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project

· Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts

· Launch Foods

· Smart Works Glasgow

· Hope for Autism

· HomeStart Glasgow North & North Lanarkshire

· St Andrews Hospice

· Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Care

· Tiny Changes

· Tullochan

· Kindness Homeless Street Team

· SupERKids

· Hawick Acorn Project Initiative

· Borders Additional Needs Group

· Teviot Wheels

· Harris Trust

· Hawick Scout Group

· St Teresa’s Hospice

· Scottish Air Ambulance

· Cancer Research UK

· The Margaret Kerr Unit

· The Borders Green Team

· Queens House Kelso Ltd

· Selkirk Food Bank

Rosewell’s Eva crowned Christmas card champion at Barratt’s festive lights switch on

Pupils at a Midlothian primary school have been letting their creativity shine by creating their very own Christmas card designs as part of Barratt Developments’ festive competition.

Barratt Developments Scotland – which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – invited pupils from Rosewell Primary School to try their hand at designing their very own festive cards, with the winning design being transformed into a physical pack to be given to residents at the housebuilder’s sites.

After judging more than 20 entries, Eva Hall from Primary 6 was crowned champion of the festive design competition, winning a £50 Smyths voucher in the process. The 10-year-old’s design depicts a snowy Christmas Eve sky with Santa’s sleigh flying over rooftops.

To mark her win, Eva and her fellow pupils who took part in the competition were invited to switch on the Christmas tree lights at David Wilson Homes’ Rosewell Meadow development on Thursday 7^th December.

All budding artists were awarded a chocolate selection box for their efforts, with Eva doing the honours and switching on the lights.

Shona Richardson, Headteacher at Rosewell Primary School, said: “The pupils were very excited to be asked to take part in the Christmas Card competition.

“We have a number of creative and imaginative pupils at Rosewell so this was right up their street. Some even gave up their lunch breaks to join a ‘Christmas Card Art Club’. It was so popular that we had to bring in extra tables and chairs. It was a hive of festive activity!”

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

Anne Ross, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “We were extremely impressed by the designs Eva and her schoolmates created.

“Not only did they capture the joy and fun of Christmas time, but you could also see how much time and effort each pupil put into their work.

“We hope our small events bring a bit of festive sparkle to the communities we are building within East Scotland.”

For more information on David Wilson Homes in Scotland, visit:

www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/scotland/edinburgh/

Barratt Developments raises more than £90,000 for hospice care at Edinburgh charity ball

The UK’s largest housebuilder has raised £90,244 for hospice and end of life care in the East of Scotland at its recent charity ball.

Barratt Developments, which includes David Wilson Homes and Barratt Homes, welcomed more than 450 guests to the EICC in Edinburgh on Friday 8^th September – with attendees enjoying an auction, comedy performance from Larry Dean and live music from Manhattan.

All proceeds from the evening went to St Columba’s Hospice Care which provides world-leading hospice care to those based in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

As this year’s main charity for the housebuilder’s East Scotland division, Barratt Developments has so far raised a total of £157,024 for St Columba’s Hospice Care through fundraising, including a Pentland Hills walk and office events.

The 2023 sum has already exceeded last year’s efforts, which totalled £109,000.

Jon Heggie, Director of Income Generation at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “The ball was a fantastic event, and typified the attitude we’ve seen and enjoyed from Barratt over the course of our partnership.

“They’ve really pulled out all the stops to raise as much money as they can for us, as well as spending time here helping with recent ward renovations and volunteering to paint some fences and maintain the grounds.

“The difference they’ve made to the hospice as a charity partner really is tangible and will directly benefit hundreds of patients and their families right across Edinburgh and East Lothian. On behalf of everyone at the hospice, I’d like to say a massive thank you.”

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “Giving back to the communities in which we build has always been a priority across all Barratt Developments’ divisions.

“In the East of Scotland, we’ve formed a strong relationship with St Columba’s Hospice Care over the last few years and have been continuing to raise funds for the essential care its team provides.

“We’ve already surpassed last year’s fundraising total, a feat we could not have achieved without the generous donations from guests and our colleagues who have given up their time to fundraise or take part in a physical challenge.

“The money raised will help support those who need it most in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, providing them with the very best care.”

Amanda Southey, Hospice Corporate Manager at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “First and foremost I’d like to thank the team at Barratt for choosing St Columba’s Hospice Care as their charity partner.

“The partnership has worked really well, and I think both parties have really enjoyed it, and gained a lot from it.

“The fundraising they have done has been absolutely inspirational, and they’ve really jumped at the chance to help in other areas at every opportunity.”

For more information on Barratt Developments in Scotland, please visit:

www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Barratt Developments welcomes local MSP to award-winning Pentland View

Colin Beattie MSP was welcomed by Barratt Developments to Pentland View in Midlothian last week in celebration of its site manager’s Pride in the Job Quality Award win.

Shaun Quinn, Site Manager at Pentland View, received the Pride in the Job Quality Award, known as the “Oscars of the housebuilding industry”, from the National House Building Council (NHBC) – setting him apart as one of the very best in the country.

This year, a total of 19 site managers from Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, won a top national award for the quality of the homes they are building – the most ever received by the housebuilder in Scotland.

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, visited the Pentland View development to meet award-winner Shaun and apprentices Mitchell McGonigal and Findlay McGillivary along with Development Director Nicholas Wright and Senior Sales Advisor Karen Connelly.

Nicholas Wright, Development Director for East Scotland, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Colin Beattie MSP to Pentland View and to demonstrate the quality which we are building across all tenures in his constituency.

“The Pride in the Job awards acknowledge the work we’re doing to showcase our commitment to building the highest standard of homes in Midlothian and across Scotland, with our elite site manager Shaun Quinn being among those demonstrating our award-winning customer care.”

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, said: “I was delighted to visit Pentland View housing development and meet some of the individuals behind this impressive project. My congratulations to site manager Shaun Quinn on receiving this award which acknowledges his dedication and expertise.

“I was pleased to meet with Mitchell McGonigal and Findlay McGillivary who are both undertaking apprenticeships with Barratt Homes. Their enthusiasm and commitment left a positive impression on me. It was also my pleasure to meet award winning sales advisor Karen Conelly, and discuss matters about the housing development with her.

“I was greatly impressed by the quality of the new homes and the talented individuals driving this development forward. It is clear that this project is not only enhancing our local housing options but also fostering a sense of pride and excellence in the construction industry.”

Situated in the Midlothian town of Bilston and just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre, Pentland View is a community of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes.

The development has a spectacular backdrop of the Pentland Hills and is surrounded by countryside right at residents’ doorsteps making it a great base for outdoor adventure. The development also has exciting offers to suit potential buyers’ next move.

In addition to the recent Pride in the Job award wins, Barratt Developments has also been awarded 5 stars by its customers for satisfaction in the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) new homes survey. To be rated 5 star means that more than 90% of its customers would recommend one of its homes to a friend, with Barratt being the only major national housebuilder to be rated 5 star for 14 years in a row.

If you would like to pay a visit to Pentland View and explore the 4-bedroom Buchanan Barratt show home, find our more here.

Barratt Developments welcomes local MSP to Leith’s award-winning Merchant Quay

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith was welcomed by Barratt Developments to its Merchant Quay development on Friday (28 July) in celebration of its site manager’s Pride in the Job Quality Award win.

James O’Neill, site manager at Merchant Quay recently received the Pride in the Job Quality Award, known as the “Oscars of the housebuilding industry” from the National House Building Council (NHBC) setting them apart as one of the very best in the country.

This year, a total of 19 site managers from Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, took home a top national award for the quality of the homes they are building – the most ever received by the housebuilder in Scotland.

Ben Macpherson MSP visited Merchant Quay and was given a tour of the development by award-winner James and Nick Wright, Development Director for Barratt Developments East Scotland.

Located in the bustling heart of Leith, Merchant Quay has an array of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Close to a range of cafes and shops, the development is a short distance to the city centre by bus or foot.

Nick Wright, Development Director for Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Ben Macpherson MSP to Merchant Quay and to demonstrate the quality which we are building across all tenures in his constituency.

“The Pride in the Job awards acknowledge the work we’re doing to showcase our commitment in building the highest standard of homes in Edinburgh and across Scotland, with our elite site managers demonstrating our award-winning customer care.”

Ben Macpherson said: “I was glad to visit the development at Merchant Quay and meet some of those involved in the project. As well as private housing, in partnership with local housing association Harbour, 53 high quality, warm affordable homes, of which 43 are for social rent, have been delivered.

“I was pleased to see that this affordable housing has been built as a priority and is already occupied and to learn that more affordable housing units will be delivered as part of the next phases of the development.

“It was interesting to learn how some of Leith’s industrial heritage has been preserved in the communal areas of the development, as many will know the area was previously a glassworks.

“It was also good to meet site manager James O’Neill, and personally congratulate him on his award, as well as hear directly from some apprentices who have been able to further develop their skills while working on the project.”

To be rated 5 star means that more than 90% of its customers would recommend one of its homes to a friend, with Barratt being the only major national housebuilder to be rated 5 star for 14 years in a row.

Find out more: If you would like to pay a visit to Merchant Quay and explore the Restalrig or Argyll show homes, find out more here.

Barratt Developments Scotland pledges £50,000 fund to aid food inequality and support for cancer care

Funds to go to charities supporting those who are facing food inequality, and which offer cancer care across Scotland

Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, has donated £50,000 to charities providing support for individuals living with cancer and families impacted by food inequality.

Five charities spanning the length and breadth of Scotland have received a share of the funds, which will go towards helping low-income families struggling with the cost of food and supporting organisations which provide lifeline care for those affected by cancer.

Beneficiaries include Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts in Edinburgh, Launch Foods in Glasgow, Dundee-based Dundee Bairns, Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation in Elgin and Friends of ANCHOR in Aberdeen, which all received a £10,000 donation from Barratt Developments Scotland.

Douglas McLeod, Regional Managing Director for Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “As Scotland’s leading housebuilder, with a national footprint, we’re committed to giving back to the areas in which we build.

“The charities we are supporting through this fund provide vital support to families and individuals across the country who are faced with difficult circumstances.We’re pleased to be able to provide some support, and hope that it will help the charities in continuing their life-changing work across Scotland.”

The donation to Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, will go towards helping the charity carry out its work of turning surplus food into nourishing meals for families in need, reaching marginalised groups across Edinburgh.

Emily Gifford, Fundraising Manager at Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, said: “This generous support from Barratt Developments Scotland will go directly towards cooking, packing, and delivering meals to people in need across Edinburgh, as well as signposting towards other relevant support services.

“At the moment, we’re working with around 700 people each week who are facing diverse challenges including poverty, short and long-term physical and mental health conditions, social isolation, unemployment and debt. We are looking forward to working with the Foundation over the coming year to provide support to people throughout the city.”

With a coffee shop, Launch Coffee, on Bothwell Street in Glasgow, Launch Foods works all year round to provide children with free hot and nutritious food after their school day and during the holidays.

Craig Johnston, founder of Launch Foods, said: “For every pound we get we can feed a child in Glasgow – proving that a little can go a long way.

“We’re only a small team and not government funded, which means we rely heavily on donations. We’re grateful to have Barratt Developments on board and helping to support something that makes such a difference to so many children’s lives.”

A third of children in Dundee are living in poverty. Through Barratt Developments’ donation, Dundee Bairns can continue to provide basic needs for children in the city, helping them access food, clothing, activity, and other essentials they need to thrive.

Genna Millar, Project Coordinator at Dundee Bairns, said: “Dundee Bairns is grateful to Barratt Developments for such a generous donation of £10,000.

“The funding has come along at an especially busy time for Dundee Bairns – we are set to deliver our 7^th annual summer ‘Fun and Food’ programme, delivering meals and funding for activities to over 100 schools and community projects, targeting some of the most vulnerable children in the city.”

Based in Aberdeen, Friends of ANCHOR has a collection of specialised wards and clinics within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, giving treatment and support to those diagnosed with cancer. Barratt Development’s donation will go towards funding specially crafted experiences for those receiving end of life care for an oncology or haematology illness in the North-east of Scotland and the Northern Isles.

Sarah-Jane Hogg, Director at Friends of ANCHOR, said: “With such a generous gift from Barratt Developments, we’ll be able to fund at least 10 Making Memories experiences for patients and their loved ones.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation and the Barratt team for choosing Friends of ANCHOR to benefit from this donation, every penny of which will go to the cause.”

Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation, based in Elgin, provides support for children with cancer across the UK. The organisation gives children gifts and grants – referred to as ‘sparkles’ – in memory of Abbie who passed away aged 15 on Christmas Day in 2017, after living with Sarcoma – a rare form of cancer.

Tammy Main, Abbie’s mother and Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation Charity Manager, said: “Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation is delighted to receive this hugely generous donation from Barratt Developments. We are all volunteers and they made their giving as easy as possible for us.

“It was lovely to meet Doug McLeod at the David Wilson development in Elgin to share Abbie’s inspirational story and for him to hear the amazing difference this donation will make. We really do appreciate all the support we receive from our kind community.”

For more information on Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit: www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk

Barratt Developments supports women and families with East of Scotland community fund

Three essential causes focused on improving the lives and wellbeing of women and families in the East of Scotland have benefited from donations from Barratt Developments’ community fund.

To kick off the first quarter of the year, £1,500 was donated to Smart Works in January – an organisation that supports the most vulnerable women in society by providing interview clothing, styling services and professional interview coaching.

The women who come to Smart Works are often referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, the care service and youth organisations. The essential resources provided by the charity not only allow 72% of its service users to gain employment each month, but also helps improve women’s overall confidence and self-esteem.

Rachel Shields, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Smart Works Scotland, said: “We’re so grateful for this donation. In the shadow of the cost-of-living crisis our service has never been more needed.

“In response to increasing demand, we are expanding our service in Scotland, and we just had our biggest month for appointments in March.

“With support like this from Barratt, we’re one step closer to achieving the ambition of our 3-year plan to double the number of women who access our transformative service by March 2025.”

In February, a further £1,500 was given to Stepping Stones North Edinburgh.

Supporting pregnant women and young families, Stepping Stones provides a range of services focused on mental and emotional wellbeing, resilience building, reducing isolation and early learning services.

The donation has been used by the Stepping Stones team to improve play materials used by the organisation’s Steps to Grow group. Run on Wednesdays throughout the year at Granton Community Garden, the shared space provides children and their caregivers with the opportunity to socialise in a safe, secure and enriching environment.

Dee Reid, Early Learning Practitioner at Stepping Stones North Edinburgh, said: “Barratt’sgenerous donation has enabled us to purchase some much needed and durable equipment for our garden group to proceed in a safe and effective way, within our environment.

“This will hopefully benefit our families greatly, and they can continue to enjoy the equipment and new resources for years to come.”

To round off the quarter, Barratt Developments donated £1,500 in March to SiMBA (Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal).

The charity’s aim is to honour babies who have died, are stillborn or miscarried through supporting parents by gathering precious items in Memory Boxes, spending time with the baby in a comfortable Family Room, and providing the chance to remember and reflect at the Tree of Tranquillity.

The funds received from Barratt Developments will help SiMBA to continue to provide these services to families in the East of Scotland.

Vanessa Rhazali, Head of Fundraising and Communications at SiMBA, said: “We were delighted to receive a generous donation from Barratt Homes.

“The funds will go directly towards providing Memory Boxes to bereaved parents at their critical time of loss. The Memory Boxes offer comfort at one of the most traumatic times of their lives, while also holding cherished memories for the family to honour their baby for the years that follow.”

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Giving back to the communities in which we build has always been a priority for Barratt Developments, and we try our best to identify the charities most in need in our divisions with the help of our customers.

“This quarter we’ve donated to three fantastic causes that are supporting women and families in the East of Scotland. To be able to provide essential services in the current climate can be extremely challenging for charities.

“Hopefully, these donations will help them to continue the vital work they are doing in their local communities.”

For more information on Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit:

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Life’s a beach: Make the move to Edinburgh and the Lothians this summer with Barratt Developments

Homebuyers who’ve always dreamt of living by the sea can reserve now and move in in time for summer, with a range of new properties available near the coast in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – is encouraging first time buyers and downsizers to take advantage of the homebuilder’s cost-saving initiatives and find their new ideal home, located a stone’s throw away from a number of coastal walks and beaches.

An array of two and three-bed properties at Cammo Meadows in Edinburgh, The Strand in Portobello and St Clements Brae in Wallyford, East Lothian are now ready to be moved into ahead of the warm weather, with each development less than a ten-minute drive from golden sands.

Ideally located close to the City Bypass, the properties are perfect for first time buyers looking for work-life balance or those downsizing to quieter surroundings. According to Moneybox, the Edinburgh area is also the fifth most popular hotspot for first-time buyers.

Interior showhome photography of The Ashworth at David Wilson Homes Cammo Meadows development in Edinburgh

To make the move seamless, Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is currently offering buyers £1,000 for every £20,000 spent, plus flooring included. This cash from the initiative can be used towards a deposit, mortgage repayments or moving costs. A number of selected homes also include upgraded options.

In addition to a high-quality finish, buyers can expect their home to be energy efficient. According to Barratt Developments’ Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis – 2023 Report, more than 55% of Scots are considering buying a new build home to save on energy bills.

The recent ‘Watt a Save’ report from the Home Buyers’ Federation (HBF) showed that around 84% of new builds have an energy efficiency rating of A or B, compared to just 4% of existing housing in the UK. Thanks to advanced systems and technologies, all Barratt homes are now up to 63% more energy efficient, which could save homeowners up to £3,100 per year on bills.

Anne Ross, sales director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Location is key when we build our homes, so we’re proud to be able to offer a selection of ‘ready-to-move-into’ properties in some of the most popular areas in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“These homes are perfect for first time buyers or downsizers looking to mix the hubbub of the capital with suburban living.

“If people reserve now, they can be moved in in time for summer and the process is made even easier with our current incentives – which include mortgage repayments and flooring, in addition to improved energy efficiency. Homebuyers are urged to move quickly, as we expect these homes to be snapped up fast.”

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in the North and West of Scotland also have limited availability on homes ready to move into before summer.

For more information on available homes or on Barratt Developments in Scotland, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/