Tag: east Lothian

New homes announced at ‘hidden gem in East Lothian’s crown’

Home buyers who missed out on new homes at a unique and award winning village development in East Lothian will be pleased to hear that a further 102 new properties are now underway by Cruden Homes at Longniddry Village.

This exceptional new development carefully blends traditional village design, with all the benefits of modern and flexible living.   

East Lothian regularly tops the polls as one of best places to live in the UK. This family-friendly development, nestled in the close-knit village of Longniddry, offers fantastic tranquil scenery, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh’s popular city centre, and a short drive from some of Scotland’s most popular coastal towns and villages.

Homeowners also have access to superb amenities, with an abundance of golden beaches, a local primary school, a sports centre and golf clubs located nearby.

Longniddry Village won the prized ‘Development of the Year’ title at the industry-leading Herald Property Awards in late 2023.

The highly sustainable development has been praised as ‘one of the best examples of new housing ever seen’, pairing period features and original architecture with the flexibility, function and style demanded for modern living. 

The overarching vision and approach for Longniddry Village was developed in partnership with landowner Wemyss and March Estates with master developer, Socially Conscious Capital.   

Cruden’s second phase of 102 new homes for sale will cater for a range of homeowners, including first time buyers, growing families and downsizers.

Together with one- and two-bedroom flats, there will be a range of spacious two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with house types including bungalows, terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “East Lothian is an extremely sought-after area to live and Longniddry Village is the hidden gem in its crown. 

When home buyers quickly flocked to buy the first phase of new homes here, many missed out, so we are delighted to announce a further 102 homes for sale.

“Longniddry ticks all the boxes for today’s homebuyer with its stunning coastal location, village setting and easy access to the Capital. Longniddry Village is now firmly at the heart of the Longniddry community and we’re delighted to support the area’s growing population with more of these exceptional new properties.”  

Prices for the first release of properties will be announced at the Phase 2 sales launch at the end of April, however prospective buyers are encouraged to register their interest now to receive an invitation to an exclusive preview event ahead of the public launch.

https://www.crudengroup.co.uk/homes/developments/longniddry-village-phase-2

People power on the High Street

First Minister visits Dunbar businesses ahead of Travelling Cabinet

Two businesses which were bought by the local community in Dunbar after receiving Scottish Government funding have been praised for their entrepreneurial initiative by First Minister Humza Yousaf, who is in East Lothian for the 52nd Travelling Cabinet.

The First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon heard how local residents launched successful community shares offers to raise finance for the grocery store Community Carrot and the Community Bakery to bring people together and help regenerate the town’s High Street.

The walk along the High Street also included another community project, the Ridge. Volunteers who receive training through the organisation described how they have turned wasteland around Dunbar into community garden spaces. All three initiatives have received support from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Land Fund.

Other visits which took place included:

  • Deputy First Minister Shona Robison at Amisfield Walled Garden, restored and maintained by members of the local community
  • Health Secretary Michael Matheson at East Lothian Community Hospital’s new orthopaedic rehabilitation ward
  • Culture Secretary Angus Robertson at Tantallon Castle

And, on Wednesday, Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop will open East Linton Train Station, which is bringing new transport links to the community.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “We are committed to hearing from people across the country to help inform decision making and the projects I visited today exemplify the type of community empowerment this Government is encouraging in Scotland.

“Through awards from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Land Fund totalling almost £400,000, these three initiatives have demonstrated how local people can make a positive impact to local employment and their local economy.

“East Lothian is a beautiful part of Scotland with tremendous community spirit and I look forward to hearing more about people’s priorities during the public discussion in Haddington this afternoon.”

The Dunbar Community Bakery received £124,560 (November 2022) through the Scottish Land Fund. The Community Carrot received £119,200 (May 2019). The Ridge received two awards of £49,900 (March 2022) and £98,548 (August 2022).

List of visits not previously mentioned:

Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray – Archerfield House

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth – Wallyford Learning Campus

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville – Our Community Kitchen

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater – Kinwegar Recycling Centre

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown – East Lothian Community Action Team

Parliamentary Business Minister George Adam – Knox Academy

Experiential Christmas Gifting: Weekend  Woodworking Courses

The Chippendale International  School of Furniture’s weekend woodworking courses are the  perfect choice for those seeking a unique and experiential  gift this Christmas. 

Our weekend spoon carving and woodturning courses offer an  ideal introduction to woodworking for the craft-obsessed,  located just 30 mins outside Edinburgh in the beautiful East  Lothian countryside.  

Consumers increasingly value meaningful experiences over  material possessions, with recent statistics indicating that  33% of consumers plan to treat their friends and family with  memorable experiences in 2023 (KPMG). 

Perfect for a DIY-mad partner or crafty parent who has it all,  these courses offer a one-of-a-kind gift that will leave  memories that last a lifetime – and maybe even inspire a new  hobby!  

Where: 

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, Gifford,  East Lothian, EH41 4JA 

What: 

Weekend woodturning course: A fun and informative course  designed for those who want to dip their toe into the world of  woodworking! Students will learn the basics of woodturning and  joinery, and will create a small stool/plant stand over the  two days.

Weekend spoon carving course: Louise Forbes’ renowned spoon  carving classes are the perfect quirky gift for a DIY  enthusiast! Students will carve a small salt spoon and coffee  scoop, plus salad servers or alternative spoon of their choice  over the two days. 

All tools and materials are supplied on both courses. 

Cost: 

Weekend Spoon Carving Course: £295 

Weekend Woodturning Course: £400 

Book here:  

https://chippendaleschool.com/furniture-making courses/weekend-courses/

Wondrous Woods opens at Gosford House

Scotland’s sensational illuminated trail Wondrous Woods launched on Thursday night (October 26) with a dedicated VIP night which saw over 400 guests joining Woody the Owl and friends in the spectacular new setting of Gosford House in East Lothian, ahead of last night’s opening night. 

The stunning lighting journey took all visitors through winding mystical pathways starting at Gosford’s enchanting Lily Pond and Ice House and including the mesmerising three-dimensional holographic projection of a Phoenix rising out of the flames above the lake at Gosford House. 

Visitors stare with amazement over the beautiful lake, as the historical creature lifts into the sky and soars across the skies of East Lothian amidst a dramatic exit of fireballs and special effects.  

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better opening night. The trail truly is magical and a breath-taking feast for the senses.

“We’re very excited about welcoming visitors back to Wondrous Woods at beautiful Gosford House from now until November 19 and giving them the chance to enjoy the incredible settings with us.” 

The magical illuminated adventure that is Wondrous Woods runs over Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions from October 27 to November 19, including a special run during the last week, where sessions are extended to run from Thursday to Sunday. 

Tickets are available to buy online at https://www.wondrouswoods.com/ticket-information with off-peak Friday and Sunday tickets priced at £12 per child and £19 for an adult. Peak tickets on Saturdays are £13 per child and £20 per adult. 

For more information visit www.wondrouswoods.com. 

New town centre plans unveiled for East Lothian’s Blindwells 

Ambitious plans to develop a mixed-use centre at the heart of East Lothian’s new town, Blindwells, including more affordable homes, have been submitted for approval.

The project proposals, led by regeneration and property development specialist Hargreaves Land, could see new shops, offices, restaurants, supermarket and business space all constructed on 5 acres at Blindwells.

Included in the plans are sixty affordable apartments overlooking the newly created Princes Loch.  Also proposed are a new wellbeing centre, care home, gym and community space as part of ambitious plans to create a sustainable and pedestrian friendly town centre.

Extra bus stops, active travel paths and electrical vehicle (EV) charge points are also proposed, supporting the principles of a ‘20-minute neighbourhood’. This approach is based around creating communities to allow residents to meet their daily requirements within a few minutes’ walk of their front doors and includes access to sustainable modes of travel.

Hargreaves Land, which is working with planning and development consultants Turley and EMA architects to bring forward its plans, expects the move will create a ‘vibrant and bustling’ new centre at the heart of Blindwells, delivering a significant economic boost for the local area in the process.

This includes hundreds of jobs in the construction, supply chain, and local services sectors, which could all follow if the latest phase of development gets the green light from East Lothian Council which is anticipated early in the new year.

Onsite construction work could start as early as mid-2024.

Jonathan Graham, senior development surveyor at Hargreaves Land, said: “Our ambitious plans mark another exciting chapter in the Blindwells story. We are investing for the future, building a town centre that will create a new destination and an exciting sense of place for residents, adding to their overall wellbeing and living experience.

“We’re also working with our partners to deliver much needed affordable homes, ensuring schemes like this one are a welcome addition to local communities and contribute towards providing high quality housing for people in places where they want to live.”

Kate Donald, director at Turley, said: “We’re proud to provide ongoing support to Hargreaves Land to help them deliver exciting plans for Blindwells. This latest application will see the creation of a vibrant town centre which will provide key amenities to the wider new community that is being created.”

Hargreaves Land is the developer behind the regeneration of Blindwells, which lies between Tranent, Cockenzie and Port Seton and has been earmarked for new housing for more than a decade as part of the regeneration of one of Scotland’s former coalfields. 

Over 150 new homes are already occupied with housebuilders Persimmon, Bellway and Ogilvie all currently active at Blindwells, with Hadden Homes and Avant Homes also proposing to commence onsite in the new year.

Work set to commence on next phase of homes at Blindwells

The latest housebuilder to acquire development land after securing planning permission for new homes at Blindwells will start on site this month, with the first properties expected to be available Spring 2023.

Stirling-based housebuilder Ogilvie Homes, part of the Ogilvie Group, will deliver 77 homes, including 23 affordable properties, at the New Town located to the east of Prestonpans in East Lothian.

In September, East Lothian Council granted planning permission for the £17m scheme which is to be developed on a 4.5-acre plot at the north-west of the Blindwells site.

Ogilvie’s development will comprise of a mix of two, three and four bedroomed residential properties available for private sale, as well as a range of two and three bedroomed homes for social rent.

Bruce Lindsay, development director at Hargreaves Land, said Ogilvie’s development marks the next ‘exciting’ phase of the site’s overall long-term regeneration. “This is excellent news and a welcome addition for local housing stock, particularly the availability of more affordable accommodation.

“Ogilvie are committed to creating a development that will meet community needs and deliver exceptional high-quality homes for East Lothian. This exciting phase in the Blindwells regeneration story marks another chapter of positive change to this part of Scotland.”

The project will see the construction of detached, semi-detached and terraced 2-storey properties. Ogilvie will also construct four two-bedroom cottage flats as part of the affordable element of the scheme.

Ogilvie will join Bellway, Persimmon and Cruden Homes on site at Blindwells which has planning consent for 1,600 new homes and proposals which include education facilities, a healthcare hub, and local retail outlets.

Julie Leece, head of land at Ogilvie Homes, said: “We’re delighted that planning permission was granted last month and look forward to bringing our plans for Blindwells to fruition.

“Our development will deliver much needed quality homes within the wider masterplanstrategy, contributing significantly to meeting local housing needs and creating a strong sense of community.”

Part of the £200 million turnover Ogilvie Group, Ogilvie Homes is one of Scotland’s fastest growing house builders with current sales of £53m and developments in Boness, Crieff, Plean and West Kinfauns among other sites. The company offers new homes and social housing properties that combine exterior character with interior spaciousness and high levels of craftsmanship.

Real estate consultancy firm JLL is acting as the residential land agent for Blindwells and handled the sale of Plot 11 on behalf of Hargreaves Land.

Holyrood Committee to visit East Lothian’s ancient woodlands

The Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will visit East Lothian tomorrow (Wednesday, 21st September) to explore the issues raised in a public petition.

The Committee will visit Pressmennan Wood, just south of the village of Stenton, as part of its consideration of a petition seeking the introduction of legislation which would provide Scotland’s remaining fragments of ancient, native and semi-native woodlands and woodland floors with full legal protection following concerns that large areas are being lost or damaged each year.

Committee Convener, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Deputy Convener David Torrance MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP and Paul Sweeney MSP will join officials from the Woodland Trust to learn more about the challenges around protecting Scotland’s woodlands.

Owned by the Woodland Trust, Pressmennan Wood has been continuously wooded since the early 15th century but has seen much human intervention throughout its history.

A large part of the woodland is currently classified as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland, with some large areas of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites.

At an earlier meeting, the Committee heard evidence from Mairi McAllan MSP, Minister for Environment and Land Reform, who indicated that the Scottish Government were undertaking work to develop the register of ancient woodlands and were looking at options to improve existing protections and enforcement measures.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Committee’s Convener, Jackson Carlaw MSP, said: “Protecting Scotland’s native and ancient woodlands is incredibly important to supporting biodiversity and maintaining our natural environment. This petition has helped to shine a light on the challenges we need to address to ensure their long-term future.

“The Committee has heard directly from the petitioners and a range of experts who have expressed their concerns over the lack of these woodlands protection from inappropriate developments and other threats, which has resulted in large areas of ancient woodland being lost for good over recent years.

“The Citizens Participation and Public Petitions Committee’s visit to Pressmennan Wood in East Lothian alongside the Woodland Trust will help us see the issues first hand and look at what next steps the Committee can take to help protect our ancient woodlands”

E. coli investigations in East Lothian

An investigation is underway into a cluster of cases of E. coli at a nursery in East Lothian.

NHS Lothian, along with local and national partner agencies, is investigating 28 cases of the infection linked to Church Street Pear Tree Nursery in Haddington.

Although most cases have had mild symptoms and have not required hospital treatment, a small number of confirmed cases have been admitted to hospital. Some of these have been admitted as a precaution and all are in a stable condition.

Investigations so far have not yet revealed a specific source, but advanced microbiological testing is underway to identify the strain of the infection and any links. Those that have been affected have already been excluded and have submitted samples for testing.

Cases, so far, have been confined to the nursery, respective households, or other close contacts. The nursery has been closed as a precautionary measure while the investigations continue.

A small number of people at a partner nursery in the same town reported having symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, which have resolved without requiring medical treatment. As a precaution, Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery in Haddington has also been closed. All parents and carers have been notified.

Dr Richard Othieno, Chair of the Incident Management Team and Public Health Consultant, NHS Lothian, said: “We know that this will be an anxious time for many of those who are directly affected by the infection.

“We have written to parents and carers of the children affected and to staff at the nursery to provide the most up to date information and ongoing health advice.

“NHS Lothian has a robust surveillance system in place to identify E. coli cases which helped us to identify these cases early and put in place essential control measures to prevent further spread.

“This outbreak reinforces the importance of washing hands regularly, particularly before eating or preparing food, and after going to the toilet.”

“We continue to provide support to the nursery and those parents and carers who have been directly affected. We have encouraged parents to keep their children away from other children and those at higher risk until their negative results have been received”.

E. coli is a bacterial infection that causes illness in people. The symptoms range from mild loose stools to severe bloody diarrhoea. The most serious complications can lead to blood poisoning and kidney failure

There is no specific treatment for the infection and most people who are infected will get better without medical treatment. However, those who have symptoms, or are concerned, are advised to contact their GP or NHS 24 on telephone number 111.

Latest residential development plot launched at Blindwells

A new residential development opportunity has been launched at Blindwells, the East Lothian scheme which is on course to deliver a community of 1,600 homes as well as employment land and a new town centre

Plot 4a is being marketed by the Edinburgh office of JLL on behalf of Blindwells’ creator, Hargreaves Land.

Planning permission in principle has been granted for residential purposes on the 7.2 acre site and a development of c.140 properties is proposed. Adjacent to a plot earmarked for business use, as well as what will become the new town centre, plot 4a lies in a raised area with views over the Firth of Forth, making it a highly appealing opportunity for the right development partner.

A number of other housebuilders are already on site and the first Blindwells residents moved in at the start of the year. Bellway is in the process of completing 146 homes and Cruden is due to finish the final phase of 60 affordable homes later this summer for East Lothian Council. Ogilvie Homes is expected to commence construction of 77 properties before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, work by Persimmon Homes is progressing towards the creation of 197 homes including 30 which will be classified affordable.

The new opportunity follows three planning approvals by East Lothian Council Planning Committee in June, allowing Hargreaves Land to press ahead and progress major parts of the site infrastructure.

Once complete, the town centre, which will feature a car-free high street with shops, cafes and a supermarket, will provide a 21st century quality of life with modern touches flanked by open areas of natural beauty, including Princes Loch and community green space.

Jonathan Graham, development surveyor at Hargreaves Land said: “Our vision for Blindwells is rapidly taking shape and we’re excited to be looking for a housebuilder to bring yet another plot to life.

“The indicative layout earmarked for this plot has a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses, plus two apartment blocks, and we expect a lot of interest.”

Jason Hogg, director at JLL, added: “Less than 15 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station, Blindwells will further add to the excellent quality of life already on offer in East Lothian, with outstanding beaches, coastal towns and villages, walking routes, world class golf courses and restaurants all within easy reach.

“Crucial to its creation are the many respected construction partners involved in giving the scheme a varied selection of house types, all offering an impeccable standard of living, and we look forward to talking to interested parties in the weeks ahead in regard to this latest plot.”

Work begins on Persimmon’s The Earls development in East Lothian

One of Scotland’s leading housebuilders has started work on a £28 million housing development in Blindwells, East Lothian.

Foundation and groundworks are underway on The Earls development being delivered by Persimmon Homes.

A mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes as well as 12 apartments will make up the 197 properties on the site which received planning permission in September last year. Of those, 30 homes will be transferred to a provider of social housing. 

Situated between Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Tranent, The Earls forms part of the overall Blindwells New Town masterplan of the 390-acre former opencast mine site being delivered by Hargreaves Land. 

Alongside 1,600 much needed new homes, the New Town masterplan will also see construction of a new primary school and other community facilities and amenities in the area.

Neil Parry, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, confirmed: “Breaking ground at The Earls is just the start of this exciting new development which will provide a range of high-quality homes that we are confident will meet the needs of the East Lothian property market and create jobs for local people.

“Since our signage was erected we have received a high volume of enquiries for our new homes.  This is testament to the desire to live in this new, and what will be an amazing community to live in. We look forward to our first legal completions towards the end of 2022.”

Bruce Lindsay, development director at Hargreaves Land, said: “Hargreaves are delighted to welcome Persimmon to Blindwells and look forward to seeing the new housing being delivered as part of this exciting New Town development.”

The Earls is ideally placed close to excellent transport links, just off the A1, close to beautiful east coast beaches and golf courses. 

To be among the first to secure a home in an emerging new community buyers can visit www.persimmonhomes.com or call the marketing suite on 0187 544 0562.

Founded in 1972, Persimmon Homes is one of the UK’s leading 5 star housebuilders. With headquarters in York, the Group operates from 31 regional offices throughout the UK, trading under the brand names of Persimmon Homes, Charles Church and Westbury Partnerships, building quality homes across England, Wales and Scotland. 

The company directly employs more than 5,000 people and supports around 86,000 jobs in the construction sector. Persimmon is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer.