A sod cutting ceremony has been held to mark the beginning of the delivery of 100 new social homes for Sanctuary Scotland in South Queensferry.  

The properties are part of Lovell Partnerships’ The Crossings at Bridgewater Village development, which will bring around 400 homes to the area.  

The Crossings will be a mixed-tenure development of 398 homes and 14 commercial units, delivered in partnership by Lovell Partnerships, Sanctuary Scotland,  Sigma Capital, the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council.

Development of the new site is expected to deliver around 200 jobs, directly by Lovell and through the supply chain.

Many of the new roles will be for apprentices, including joiners and bricklayers.  

Lovell is proud to support the local community everywhere they build and, in addition to creating jobs, has invested nearly £7million in local business. 

The sod cutting ceremony took place on Scottish Housing Day, which this year focuses on housing as a career. It was attended by City of Edinburgh Council Housing Convenor, Councillor Jane Meagher.  

The development is set to boost housing stock in the area, with several impressive views of the historic bridges crossing the Forth.   

Those properties not earmarked for Sanctuary Scotland will be rented by Sigma Capital or sold on the open market by Lovell Homes.  

The Crossings will include active travel infrastructure and measures such as rain gardens and green/blue infrastructure that work with the water cycle to promote the health of the site and proper water management.   

The homes will also be environmentally sustainable, using solar panels and energy efficient boilers.   

The Crossings will be a 20-minute neighbourhood, meaning that residents will be able to have most of their daily needs met within a short walk or cycle. 

Sarah Freel, Head of Partnerships at Lovell, said: “We are particularly proud to be working with Sanctuary Scotland to provide social housing at this development, which will go towards achieving the Scottish Government’s target of building 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.”  

“With views of the historic Forth bridges and great access to amenities, this development is certain to be one of Edinburgh’s most desirable neighbourhoods.  

 “Today’s sod-cutting ceremony marks the start of this exciting new community, which will become home to many families over the coming years.”   

Gillian Lavety, Sanctuary’s Development Director for Scotland, commented: “As a leading national housing association, we’re committed to ensuring local people have access to affordable, good-quality homes. 

“The Crossings at Bridgewater Village is an exciting development that will make a real difference, and we’re delighted to be working with our partners to help meet the established need for more affordable homes in the area.” 

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher said: “Today marks Scottish Housing Day and it is important to use this opportunity to reflect on this hugely important sector, not just here in Edinburgh but across the country.  

“It was fantastic to be able to mark the day by attending the ceremony to see the start of construction of one hundred social rented homes here in South Queensferry. 

“This exciting start represents an important step forward in the area’s development and will help to alleviate some of the critical pressures that face the Edinburgh’s housing sector.” 

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A 2023 report by the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Barrats Developments PLC, has revealed that 31% of prospective buyers in Scotland are considering buying and renting out a room for additional income.

Barrats’ research showed a trend towards shared homeownership as consumers struggle to buy solo.

Additionally, the report found that of those already on the property ladder, 50% would consider downsizing to a cheaper home to save money on bills.

The ‘Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis’ report highlighted how the squeeze in peoples finances is changing the criteria set by home-buyers in Scotland, with clients sharpening their focus on long term income.

To help ease the financial burden of purchasing a new home, Barratt Developments recently announced a deposit or mortgage contribution scheme, offering homebuyers up to £30,000 towards their deposit or mortgage repayments.

According to the House Builders Federation, Barrat homes are up to 64% more energy efficient than others, potentially saving new buyers money on household bills.  

Doug McLeod, regional managing director for Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “There’s no doubt that the cost-of-living crisis has changed the way people are buying homes.

“Worries around rising interest rates, inflation and energy bills have seen people consider new ways to generate income, including renting out a spare room.

“Despite this, our research shows that people are still confident in the UK housing market.

“With this in mind, we have launched a variety of schemes to support those looking to invest in property, including mortgage contributions and deposit help for first time buyers.”

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The studio flat located in Brockley, South East London features just the two rooms – a bathroom and a kitchen – which triples as a living room, dining room and bedroom as well.

Whilst the exterior of the building would prove an attractive prospect for any house-hunter in the London rental market, the interior of the flat leaves a lot to be desired.

Images show inside the studio, which includes a very small kitchenette area consisting of only an oven, a small fridge, a sink and only two or three cupboards.

Whilst the lack of space and storage in the kitchen is a glaring issue, the main talking point is the wooden ladder that leads up to a small bed suspended over the cooking area.

Leaving would-be tenants with barely any headroom given its close proximity to the ceiling, the wooden bed is supported by a lone post in the kitchen and lies in the space above the flat’s entranceway.

The rest of the room features little in the way of decor, with a huge wardrobe taking up significant space alongside a fireplace and one tiny little table sitting in front of the bay windows.

The property also includes a small private bathroom with a tiny bathtub, a large communal utility room with washing machines and a well-tended communal garden.

With all bills included in the price, estate agents Dexters have listed the property for an eye-watering £300 per week – or £1,300 per month.

They describe the flat as: “A studio pad with big bay window. It is a good-sized room that has everything you need: own front door, kitchenette, separate bathroom and other essentials.

“There is secure parking for bicycles and you can also share in the large, well-tended communal garden.

“A large communal utility room with washing machines on the ground floor of the house for sharing with other tenants.”

A picture of the living situation was shared to social media on Saturday with the caption: “To save space in your studio apartment, just build a bunk bed to share with your kitchen!”

The post has since received over 270 likes and dozens of comments from users left astonished by the flat’s bizarre bedroom setup.

One user wrote: “I came here about to make witty comments about it being a glorified spice rack – until I realised it was a studio, and you were supposed to sleep in that!].

“And they want HOW much? Jeez…hell no.”

Another commented: “How are you meant to stop being single (even for the night) with that bed?”

A third said: “The conditions people are willing to live in and pay for the pleasure of just to have a London address is always amazing to me.”

Another wrote: “Is it just me who wonder how people have sex in bunk beds?”

Dexters estate agents have been approached for comment.

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Midford Castle is a Grade I Listed building in Midford, Somerset and dates back to 1775, when it was built for Henry Roebuck in the shape of the clubs symbol used in playing cards.

The property was purchased by Cage in 2007 for around £4.75m but Cage, 59, subsequently sold it to businessman Scott Adams just two years later for a fee believed to be around £3.5m.

Following years of restoration work, the castle and buildings in its grounds are now available to let on Airbnb for various prices – with the priciest option working out at a four-figure sum per night.

A video showcasing the property from an aerial view explains the castle’s history and its availability to rent.

The auto-generated voice recites: “This is Nicolas Cage’s former castle in the United Kingdom worth $6m.

“Nicolas bought this castle for $5m back in 2007 and sold it in 2009. The castle was built in 1775 in the shape of the clubs symbol used in playing cards.

“The castle sits on 35 acres of parkland and 12 acres of woodland.

“The ground floor is situated over two levels with an open plan kitchen, dining and living room space.

“Upstairs are two super king bedrooms and a large bathroom.

“The current owner, Scott Adams, started sympathetic restoration of the castle which is now largely complete.

“Scott has placed the castle and the separate building on Airbnb to be rented out, you can stay in the main castle for $2,100 a night or in the separate building for over $600 a night.

“Would you consider staying here or even living here?”

The video was uploaded to social media earlier this month where it has since received over 20,000 likes and dozens of comments from amazed users.

One user wrote: “This is totally awesome, yes I would live here.”

Another replied: “NYC s apartment costs £60 million and this is £5 million?”

A third wrote: “I’d buy it then purchase a dragon.”

Another user said: “King and his castle.”

Guests have a number of areas to choose from when booking their stay, including the castle vaults, the wine cellar, the chapel and the stables.

The most expensive option is staying in the castle vaults which costs £1,650 per-night with a minimum stay of two nights, which weighs in at a minimum cost of £2,500.

Despite this, the vaults can house up to 12 guests and feature three bedrooms and seven beds.

The property’s Airbnb description reads: “It’s rare to find a place that’s both historic and one of a kind.

“This property is the conversion of the castle vaults and looks out onto the studding Coombe Downs Valley.

“Modern amenities are available while keeping the old-world character.

“This let is ideal for large groups such as cycling tours, stag or hen’s parties, or large family gatherings. You have the largest vault to yourselves.’

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An established provider of non-conventional lifting, inspection, logistics and marine services, NMS founder Alasdair Noble will continue to lead the rebranded Aurora NMS, as Lifting and Marine Services Director.

Supported by fresh investment, Aurora NMS will roll out its services across the UK, expecting to create up to 10 new jobs and trainee positions in the next three years.

The rebrand marks Aurora’s third acquisition of well-established Scottish businesses, following the takeovers of R&M Engineering and Inverness Access Training Services.

Aurora’s large Inverness facility, which also hosts a Renewable Energy Training Centre, will supplement NMS’s Wick operation as well as enhancing mobilisation times on client operations.

NMS has extensive expertise in supporting wind turbine inspections, telecom mast installations and infrastructure projects which require innovative access solutions.

Aurora’s business plan is to create an international energy services provider by mirroring and supporting the energy industry’s transition from oil and gas, as well as developing a strong presence in wind, solar and hydrogen energy sectors, something that NMS can support.

Further, Aurora says it is committed to offering technical courses and reskilling programs for workers looking to transition into renewables sector jobs.

 Aurora Energy Services Chief Executive Officer, Doug Duguid, said: “NMS’s strong track record in renewables aligns well with our own ambitions of becoming a leading energy services provider.

“Aurora will invest capital in NMS to strengthen its specialist equipment and assets, offering them to a wider client base outwith North West Scotland.

Alasdair Noble, Lifting and Marine Services Director of newly branded Aurora NMS said: “In becoming part of the Aurora group, we now have the financial and organisational backing which utilities are seeking.

“We believe this will take the business to a higher level.

“We are excited that we will be able to offer opportunities for the local workforce in Wick, not just locally, but internationally, as Aurora NMS grows its market share and geographic reach.”

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The new storage scheme at Bandeath Industrial Estate in the town of Throsk will comprise of nine whisky maturation warehouses, a blend centre with associated tank farm, and an office building.

The development, built for Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD), is located within Stirling, with links to other IMD facilities and visitor centres at Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank.

Hoping to boost the local economy, the facility will create 40 jobs once the development is completed, whilst it is anticipated that construction work will employ 55 people.

Ian Macleod Distillers is an independent family-owned business whose ownership, operations, and headquarters are within Scotland.

The facility will provide additional capacity for the company’s existing distillery operations in Falkirk, Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Knockando.

Casks from IMD’s distilleries will be filled and matured at the site, before blended and single malt whiskies are transported by road tanker to their bottling facility in Broxburn.

Once packaged, the products will augment the Scottish economy, set be sold in the UK as well as exported to the USA, Europe, and Far East.

Commenting on the approval, Mike Younger, Finance Director for IMD, said: “This new development at Bandeath will provide additional capacity to support our operations across Scotland.

“Through broadening capacity in our supply chain there will be a clear benefit to the business as well as local and national economy. 

“As part of our broader commitment to addressing climate change and delivering net zero, the facility will be highly sustainable and have minimal environmental impact”.

The site is close to the River Forth, which is rich in biodiversity.

The design of the new warehouse therefore aims to prioritise sustainability and high thermal efficiency, in order to limit their environmental impact.

Temperature control in occupied buildings will be managed using electrically powered systems, and where possible, local companies will be selected for the design and construction of the complex.

The planning approval is now subject to conditions and a legal agreement being signed.

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The Stonehaven-based business, which designs, manufactures and installs timber systems, has appointed Kirsten Bell as finance director.

Kirsten has held the role of ERP (enterprise, resource planning) project manager with Deeside Timberframe for 18 months.

She was previously finance director of sister company, Bancon Construction, for almost six years.

With 16 years’ experience in finance in the construction industry, Kirsten held financial controller roles with Chap Group Ltd and Mansell before joining Bancon Construction.

Her appointment is part of a realignment of the senior management team aimed at delivering the firm’s growth plans.

Derek Wann, former commercial director, takes on the new role of UK business development director while former operations director, Stewart Ferguson, has been appointed contracts director.

Meanwhile, John Cain has been appointed to the new role of national sales manager as Deeside Timberframe looks to push into the English market.

David Crawford, managing director of Deeside Timberframe, said: “We’re thrilled that Kirsten is taking up the role of finance director after transforming our systems and reporting.

“Our restructured senior management team is now fully aligned with our business plan which seeks to deliver significant growth.”

Aberdeenshire-headquartered Deeside Timberframe, part of the Bancon Group, has been providing timber frames for over 40 years.

The company works with housebuilders, housing associations, construction firms and self-build customers to design, manufacture, and install timber systems.

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DM Hall’s Managing Partner, John McHugh, said: “We have recently signed a contract with a web design agency to improve our website which will better serve both the business, and most importantly, our clients.

“Part of that discussion involved a review of where we presently sit with, effectively, two websites, being the main DM Hall website and another branded Baird Lumsden.

“Following a review…the Baird Lumsden designation will disappear, and all services offered by the firm will be detailed and described in the latest version of the DM Hall website.

“From early autumn, the Baird Lumsden brand will no longer be used on office signage, marketing materials or sale boards,” John added.

“Our rural division is fully supportive of the changes proposed and it is believed that being fully under the umbrella of the main DM Hall branding will bring a range of added benefits.

“We will firmly remain in Bridge of Allan with newly branded premises and will continue to offer a broad spectrum of property related services to the rural market .”

DM Hall has offices across Scotland and earlier this summer expanded into the North of England with the acquisition of Hyde Harrington, a firm of Chartered Surveyors based in Carlisle and Kendal.

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Sutherland-based GMG Energy hope that the new employee will enhance and grow sustainable trading in the vast yet sparsely populated, Scottish Highlands.

The biomass supplier, which contributes significantly to the circular economy in the Highlands and the Northern Isles, has secured the services of a new Sawmill Manager at its eco-friendly plant in the Strath of Halladale in Sutherland.

New recruit, Vasile Damian, is 30 and a joiner by trade, originally from Romania but has lived in Thurso for the last 17 years.

He will oversee the six full-time employees and production of more than 2k tonnes of timber a year in the £2m turnover company, reporting to owner Malcolm Morrison.

He will also be responsible for the successful operation of a massive solar array on the roof of its production facility which recently was installed at a cost of £100k.

This was implemented to reduce GMG’s dependence on expensive and polluting diesel generators for its energy-intensive activities.

As well as the solar array, GMG has invested £150k in state-of-the-art sawmill equipment which takes its larger timber and processes it into posts, rail, cladding and purlins, or structural roof members.

It has also recently spent in the region of £100k on timber treatment equipment which will open up new markets among construction companies and farm businesses which require treated and stress-tested products.

The resource-rich company last year completed strategic purchase of a substantial swathe of forest in the far north-east to protect future supply and increase its resilience to market shocks.

The forest contains 21k tonnes of productive timber, very roughly equivalent to 90k tree-sized logs.

As a major plank of its business model, the company is committed to replacing every log of timber that it uses, and plants 10k new trees a year, which grow to maturity in 35 years.

It far exceeded this target in 2021, planting in the region of 20k trees.

The former foreman at Caithness- and Inverness-based windows, doors and kit homes specialist Norscot, said: “I am pleased to be joining GMG at a time when Malcolm is looking to upgrade and extend our product range.

“With our solar panels in place, our sawmill moving to optimum capacity, such that we will shortly see sawdust being used for brickettes, and our bio mass machine becoming fully functional, we will soon see the business becoming as self-sufficient as possible.

“That is the ultimate goal.

“We have invested recently also in new machinery to make more upmarket consumer-friendly wood products such as garden offices, cabins, pods and staircases which will use pine wood.

“Currently, we are only able to use spruce for outside products like fencing, posts and pallets.

“No one else in our locality is doing what we are doing so there is a lot of opportunity for the business.

“Our goal is to make the Caithness region aware of us and to opt for our locally manufactured, rather than shipped-in, products.

“We have just launched our online shop too, so it’s certainly an exciting time to be working at GMG Energy.”

Malcolm Morrison, Director of GMG Energy, said: “Everyone in the team is delighted that we have been able to attract a manager of such proven calibre.

“Vasile is very knowledgeable; he is attuned to the peculiarities of the area and he is very intuitive.

“At a time when we have been investing so substantially, he is taking on a great responsibility and we are sure he will rise to the challenge of making the company even greener and more environmentally sensitive than it already is.

“Vasile will be instrumental in driving towards our stated aim of ending fossil fuel consumption and becoming reliant on solar for 100% of our energy needs.”

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House-builder Springfield has kick-started the long-awaited regeneration project which will see the creation of high-quality affordable and private new homes across the 2.9 acre site.

Springfield are working with one of the UK’s largest builders of social rented homes, Wheatley Group, to deliver 55 high quality new builds to the derelict area.

Of these, 46 will be affordable homes and nine private homes will be built for existing homeowners.

All of the properties will be built by Springfield using sustainable timber kits constructed off-site at their nearby timber kit factory and will be extremely efficient, using air source heat pumps.

The homes for social housing will be delivered for tenants of Wheatley Homes East, part of Wheatley Group.

To mark the milestone moment, the Springfield team was joined by Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston and Deans South veteran, Kerry Macintosh, who laid the first brick in the foundations of her brand-new home.

Kerry bought her three-bed home on the estate in 2002 but in 2004, West Lothian Council deemed the site uninhabitable and earmarked it for demolition.

Despite this, Kerry remained on the site to fight for a fair deal for herself and the remaining homeowners.

Now, 20 years later, Kerry will receive a new home as part of the transformation of the site.

Tom Leggeat, Springfield Partnerships Managing Director, said: “Deans South has always had enormous potential and, despite the challenges, our commitment to transforming the site has not wavered.

“Alongside the much-needed social rented homes we will build; we will also deliver on our promise to provide a ‘home for a home’ for homeowners who have lived in Dean South for decades.

“This is what we celebrate today, as we lay the first brick for Kerry’s home and mark wider construction work starting.”

Kerry Macintosh commented: “This is a surreal moment for me. Having lived in Deans South for 20 years, I have seen it fall into disrepair which has been sad and frustrating.

“However, Springfield provided us with light at the end of the tunnel, pushing forward and providing us with enormous support.

“A warm, safe and secure home in a thriving community is all I have wanted, and it is so exciting to see it become a reality.”

Hannah Bardell MP for Livingston added: “Today’s event represents years of hard work and collaboration to bring forward the regeneration of Deans South.

“I have worked very hard on behalf of Deans South residents, visiting and speaking with several residents over the years, and I understand what a safe, secure, well-built home means to them. 

“It is a pleasure to be involved in today’s event and I look forward to seeing the development progress.” 

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