Do you live or work in or around Corstorphine and could spare an hour or two a week to help tackle loneliness in your area?
We’re looking for lovely locals to become a friendship volunteer to a local older person who’s feeling alone.
To find out more about how you can change someone’s life for the better and make a difference on your doorstep, send us a DM or visit, vintagevibes.org.uk.
Do good. Feel good! 
Big News from St. Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine!
St. Ninian’s Parish Church has been recognised in the House of Commons for their outstanding fundraising efforts benefiting St Columba’s Hospice Care.
Since the start of their annual coffee morning back in 2000, their incredible community has rallied together to raise over £50,000!
This year alone, their event raised an impressive £3,703.98! 
A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone who contributed, volunteered, and supported this event.
Special recognition goes to Margaret and Jim for their tireless efforts in making this event such a success year after year. Your commitment is truly inspiring!
INFORMATION FROM CITY COUNCIL’s ACTIVE TRAVEL TEAM
‘Topping Out’ Marked for Low Carbon Homes Development – On Track for Completion Next Year
View the video here:
A major landmark at one of the UK’s most sustainable new homes developments has been reached with the ‘Topping Out’ of Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine.
Structural building work on the final phase of Artisan Real Estate’s 126-apartment development – described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’ – has now been completed. The low carbon homes hit the headlines earlier this year when it was revealed that the advanced technology used throughout the design of the building could result in energy bills costing up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area*.
Rowanbank Gardens is now on track for completion in 2023 and will deliver 93 apartments for private sale, set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds.
Construction work began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected in spring next year.
Welcoming the Topping Out of Rowanbank Gardens, David Westwater, Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland said: “We have now reached a significant milestone in the development process.
“The size, shape and scale of Rowanbank Gardens can now be realised, with its highest point encompassing a large ‘green’ turfed roof area next to two penthouse apartments commanding breath-taking views of the iconic Edinburgh skyline and beyond to the Pentland Hills.
“For the first time, we can see how the design and materials used in the construction process are contributing to Rowanbank Gardens’ superb sustainability credentials which, as well as offering a superb environment in which to live, can also provide significant financial benefit for potential homeowners feeling the pinch of soaring energy bills and the rising cost of living.”
Latest research on the fossil-fuel free homes shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at the energy efficient development 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 downsizers looking for more energy efficient living.
It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual low-carbon Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) providing both heat and domestic hot water – moving away from large, complex fossil-fuel heat sources.
With additional insulation, larger windows and improved air circulation, the ASHP system allows internal heat to be recovered through the ventilation system, forming a closed energy loop with almost all useful heat being retained within the apartments, to provide heating and hot water.
Artisan has also championed the use of green roofs at Rowanbank Gardens, which are natural insulators being cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also provide a natural drainage facility with rainwater evaporating in sunlight, providing the simplest form of a short-term carbon cycle and reducing the impact on the existing drainage system.
Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor, Izzy Bastiani, has welcomed a steady stream of new buyers to Rowanbank Gardens since its launch last year and sales remain buoyant with 18 of the first ‘Appleberry’ phase already sold.
A further five of the remaining 9 apartments in Appleberry are now available, with the remaining apartments being released shortly.
She says: “This is a fantastic development in a fantastic area. With the structure of the building now complete, it really brings to life what it will be like to live here. Visitors can see, at first hand, just how well-connected and vibrant Corstorphine is, with everything you need on your doorstep.
“Rowanbank Gardens has been designed to meet the needs of the modern buyer, making it ideal for the first-time buyer and downsizer market. At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight.
“Significant emphasis is placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.”
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start at £245,000 with a two-bedroom at £315,000, 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 new on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
* Compared to equivalent new build apartment at Canonmills Garden, completed 2022.
** Figure based on Building Regulation compliance energy consumption and measured against average electrical process from June 2022 of £0.278/kWh. Final performance subject to user operation preferences.
Local MSP joins guests in carol sing-a-long at award-winning Corstorphine restaurant
Corstorphine restaurant Prahna Indian Grill fully embraced the Christmas spirit today staging a lunchtime event for residents from the local community.
The eatery, which was named as Scotland’s leading establishment at last month’s Scottish Asian Restaurant Awards, welcomed more than 30 elderly residents from across the West of Edinburgh at a community event featuring great food, plenty of social interaction, and a Christmas sing-a-long.
The guests were treated to lunch before enjoying a festive concert from the Corstorphine Singers, where they were encouraged to take part in a group carol singing session.
The event was designed to bring Christmas cheer to people from the local community by getting them together for some festive fun and networking with others.
Prahna co-founder Arun Ramanan said: “Since opening our doors in 2020, just prior to the pandemic, we have been honoured to be part of this community.
“Today’s event is about bringing together residents across the West of Edinburgh and enabling them to get out and socialise and enjoy some festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas.”
Local MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton, who came along to meet the guests at today’s event, said: “Since they began trading, Prahna has been an active member of the Corstorphine community.
“I thank them for hosting today’s lively event and providing a hub to bring together some of our elderly residents and help get us all into the festive spirit.”
Almost 150 new trees, plus herb and vegetable growing beds and more than half a kilometre of evergreen hedgerows, are to be provided at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, as the low carbon development continues to set new standards in environmentally sensitive living.
Already making headlines for its fossil fuel-free design credentials – with monthly energy bills estimated at less than £65 per month* – Rowanbank Gardens is now set to deliver a unique mix of garden spaces aimed at maximising the benefits of outdoor living. Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’, the development will deliver 93 high quality apartments for private sale, together with 33 affordable homes, set around a large communal garden.
The garden area will contain a mix of 30 fruit trees, including cherry and Cox’s Orange Pippin and Red Windsor apple trees. There will also be several large growing beds with space for strawberries, herbs and vegetables surrounded by woodland grass meadows – and even a dedicated potting shed complete with a planted ‘turfed’ roof.
Rowanbank Gardens has been designed to set new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon development, challenging many of the norms associated with the building of traditional apartment buildings in city centre areas.
Its construction follows Artisan’s design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living, which starts with ‘use less, first.’ From the start, external landscaping has been an important factor in the layout and design of the development.
“We wanted to create an external environment which was both in tune with nature and instrumental in bringing residents together,” explains David Westwater, Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland.
“One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic was that apartment dwellers, even in the city centre, need to have a strong connection both with the outdoors and with their neighbours. So, as well as providing private balcony and patio areas for the majority of apartments, we also decided to be more proactive with our communal green spaces, rather than simply providing the usual manicured square of grassed lawn and flower beds.
“Rowanbank Gardens’ residents will 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. And the planting of 520 metres of evergreen Yew and Burkwood hedgerows surrounding the development will provide an attractive all-year-round border for those inside and out, whilst providing a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife.”
He added: “The turfed roofs of the main apartment buildings, bike and potting sheds will also attract plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting.
We will be working with future residents and the local community to explore the potential of hosting bee hives on the apartment roofs as well as the possibility of managing an on-site chicken coop for the benefit of residents.”
Artisan’s significant investment in outdoor space, as well as its cost-effective energy efficient living is providing a popular draw especially amongst first-time buyers and downsizers. Since it launched late last year, sales at Rowanbank Gardens have been buoyant, with 13 of the first ‘Appleberry’ phase already sold.
A further four of the remaining 14 apartments in Appleberry are now available, with the remaining apartments being released shortly.
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £245,000 with a two-bedroom at £315,000, 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 new on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
Artisan Real Estate’s wholesale commitment to sustainable residential development across the UK has been recognised with its Edinburgh-based Rowanbank Gardens development being nominated for a prestigious national accolade geared to tackling climate crisis.
Rowanbank Gardens, in the bustling Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, has been shortlisted for the best residential Climate Crisis Initiative for the 2022 RESI Awards, which recognises excellence in UK-wide residential property.
The award nomination reflects Artisan’s continued multi-million investment in fossil-fuel free regeneration-based residential projects in key regional city centres across the UK – with major developments currently taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Bristol.
Due for completion in 2023, Rowanbank Gardens provides immaculate environmental credentials creating a spectacular blueprint for low-carbon living. The industry-leading sustainable development, replacing a former care home on a brownfield site, is set to deliver 126 high quality apartments all with private gardens and balconies set around a shared courtyard garden in a well-connected central location.
Welcoming the RESI Climate Crisis Initiative award nomination, Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Group Development Director said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rowanbank Gardens has won national recognition for its bold ambition to tackle the very real challenges of climate change which are currently facing our industry.
“As a niche developer, Artisan Real Estate has always striven for improvement by creating a lower carbon footprint in the homes and buildings we create – not just in delivery but throughout their multi-generational lifespan.
“Rowanbank Gardens is the latest manifestation of Artisan’s stated commitment towards a radical improvement in its development cycle to create the lowest possible carbon footprint in the residential buildings that the company creates. With innovations such as green roofs, it brings together smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings whilst responding to the rapidly changing requirements of home buyers and the wider community post-Covid.”
He added: “The evolution of Rowanbank Gardens shows that, as well as reducing urban sprawl by optimising the number of people living in well-designed sustainable homes in well-connected locations served by public transport, we are also pioneering the application of innovative technology to eliminate the use of fossil fuels whilst vastly reducing energy consumption.”
Fuelled by a desire to transform brownfield city centre sites into sustainable, contemporary and low carbon homes developments, Artisan’s residential developments are creating a progressive residential blueprint which has a timely resonance for post-lockdown living across the UK.
As well as Rowanbank Gardens, this has also helped shaped the delivery of the 179-apartment Canonmills Garden development, overlooking the Water of Leith to the north of Edinburgh’s city centre which is now nearing completion.
The development has pioneered the integration of low and zero carbon generating technology, incorporating green roofs as well as a combined heat and power system helping to support building energy loads whilst charging electric vehicles, reducing both building and transport CO2 emissions.
Artisan is also delivering the Kirkstall Place development in Leeds, providing 263 family homes designed to meet low carbon and non-fossil fuel standards together with substantial amounts of external space, providing a wide range of biodiversity.
The winners of the 2022 RESI Awards will be revealed on Wednesday 11th May at a live ceremony in London.
For more information on the awards, visit:
Volunteers wanted – come along to the information afternoon at CCC Hub, 191 St John’s Road, on Saturday 22nd January 1 -3 pm to find out more.
Register interest by visiting: www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
Homebuyers can now get their first online glimpse of Artisan Real Estate’s much heralded Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, promising immaculate environmental credentials and providing a spectacular blueprint for low-carbon living.
The development website goes live this week and potential buyers can register interest by logging on to www.rowanbankgardens.com ahead of the formal launch of the on-site sales office and marketing suite early in the New Year.
Rowanbank Gardens is an industry-leading sustainable development delivering 126 high quality apartments in a well-connected central location. When complete, it will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom spacious apartments on the site of the former Gylemuir Care Home, just a few minutes’ walk from main access routes into the city for bus, train and car.
Work on site began in summer this year, and the first ‘move-ins’ are anticipated for early 2023. With no fossil fuels being used and both heating and hot water delivered through individual air source heat pumps, the development offers smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings – with the added benefits of lower home-running costs.
Rowanbank Gardens has also been designed to respond to the rapidly changing requirements of both home buyers and the wider community. Apartments have been designed around an internal courtyard garden, filled with fruit trees and communal planting and growing beds as well as a natural woodland area and formal lawns.
The spacious apartments will provide open-plan living with easy access to a private courtyard or large balcony overlooking the gardens, making them ideal for families and downsizers alike. While innovations such as green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, improved insulation and ecology.
Welcoming the launch of Rowanbank Gardens, Artisan’s Regional Sales Manager, Christie Turner, said: “This is part of Artisan’s £90 million investment commitment to raise the standards of sustainable living at prime city centre sites across Edinburgh.
“At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight. Significant emphasis is placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.”
She added: “There has already been strong interest in the development from Corstorphine residents, many of whom wanted to downsize and stay in the area and from families looking for more space.
We are now looking forward to launching our marketing suite on site and progressing with the development, continuing with our ongoing investment to get the city living again following lockdown.”
Artisan is perhaps best known in Scotland for large-scale urban regeneration projects like the award-winning New Waverley at the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The developer is now applying the same values, resource and design philosophy to its residential developments which is quickly setting it apart from other major homebuilders in Scotland.
The launch of Rowanbank Gardens comes hot on the heels of sales success at the award-winning Canonmills Garden site, Artisan’s other Edinburgh city centre development comprising 180 luxury apartments and colony properties overlooking the Water of Leith.
Sales of the 135 apartments available for private sale are now nearing completion with the development welcoming its first ‘move-ins’ in the summer.
David Westwater, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Development Manager said: “The Rowanbank Gardens site fits in well with Artisan’s approach of regenerating city centre sites with good local amenities and public transport links.
“It is well set to meet the Council’s stated requirement for well designed, high density living whilst providing spacious communal areas and well-established public transport links ensuring low car ownership.
“Artisan now has an opportunity in Scotland to set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Our track record across Scotland has given us a strong understanding of the importance of sustainable low carbon living combined with high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.”
To register interest In Rowanbank Gardens, savvy homebuyers should now visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com.
The Rowanbank Gardens Sales Team is now based at the offices of lettings and estate agency Umega at 10 Lister Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9GL.
To book an appointment, call 0131 516 3302.
For more information of Artisan Real Estate, visit: www.artisanrealestate.com
New homes launches in Edinburgh & Leeds target zero carbon city living
Niche housebuilder Artisan Real Estate has raised the bar for sustainable development with the launch of an ambitious design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living.
The developer will now incorporate a set of rigorous guiding principles throughout the development cycle, governing both its environmental and social responsibility whilst responding to the changing requirements of home buyers and local communities across the UK.
Artisan is now applying the new design framework new residential developments in key UK regional centres – including Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh and Kirkstall Place in Leeds.
The new framework will help define future development locations, with Artisan committing to the concept of ’15-minute neighbourhoods’ in primarily brownfield city centre areas. It also sets out a radical blueprint for smart building design and the use of innovative technology to reduce energy usage and promote sustainable and community-focused low carbon living.
“The environmental challenges which have been laid bare during COP 26 has accelerated the importance of changing the way we deliver new homes development,” explains Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Property Director.
“Artisan is a niche developer which has always striven for improvement by creating a lower carbon footprint in the homes and buildings we create – not just in delivery but throughout their multi-generational lifespan.
As well as reducing urban sprawl by optimising the number of people living in well-designed, sustainable homes in well-connected locations served by public transport, we are also pioneering the application of new technology to eliminate the use of fossil fuels whilst vastly reducing energy consumption.”
This design philosophy is being applied to two of Artisan’s soon-to-be launched regional developments – the 126 apartment Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh and 263 new homes at Kirkstall Place in Leeds.
An innovative approach to placemaking and community has been matched with smart, energy-efficient building design geared to achieving low to zero carbon developments – with an open and landscaped environment set to benefit general health and well-being.
With no fossil fuels being used and both heating and hot water delivered through individual air source heat pumps, the developments provide smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings – with the added benefits of lower home-running costs.
Corstorphine’s Rowanbank Gardens (top) in particular has been designed to respond to the rapidly changing requirements of home buyers and the wider community post pandemic.
Apartments have been designed around an internal courtyard garden filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds and as well as a natural woodland area and play areas. And innovations such as green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, improved insulation whilst encouraging ecological biodiversity.
Clive Wilding continues: “Rowanbank Gardens in Edinburgh is a perfect showcase for the quality of sustainable development that Artisan is now committed to. At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight.
“Significant emphasis is also placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.
He adds: “With Artisan’s Kirkstall Place development in Leeds, we are providing 263 family homes with large amounts of external space, providing a wide range of biodiversity. All the homes have been designed to meet our low carbon, non-fossil fuel standards.”
Artisan is perhaps best known for large-scale city regeneration projects like the award-winning New Waverley, which has transformed the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The developer is now applying the same values and philosophy which has guided the successful design and execution of New Waverley to its residential developments, setting it apart from other major UK homebuilders.
“Remaining true to our urban regeneration credentials, at the heart of all Artisan’s developments is building a strong sense of place,” continues Clive Wilding. “We are specialising in niche urban developments in the most exciting parts of the city centre, creating a high-value premium product for a wide range of homebuyers, including young professionals, families and downsizers.
“Artisan now has an opportunity set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be commercial, residential or mixed-use. Our track record across the UK has given us a strong understanding of the importance of high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.”
For more information on Artisan’s commitment to sustainable development across the UK visit: www.artisanrealestate.co.uk
