A range of community support initiatives for people in South Queensferry has been unveiled by Cala Homes (East) as part of the housebuilder’s new Community Pledge programme.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Queensferry and District Community Council, includes activities designed to address the needs of the area in a ‘meaningful and measurable’ way.
Queensferry Heights’ Community Pledge is the second of its kind in the east of Scotland and includes:
· Support in facilitating the publication of a new local guide, which will aim to promote local businesses, events and highlight ongoing community projects in South Queensferry
· Annual donations of £5,000 to the Queensferry and District Community Council’s ‘Community Chest’, which will allow them to manage local sponsorship and funding requests, and allocate funding where it is needed
· The Cala team volunteering with members of the Scottish SPCA to provide educational wildlife talks to young people while performing litter picks along the South Queensferry shoreline
· A donation of £2,000 to help build a new community orchard, with the support of Cala contractor Land Technology
· Showhome of Support, where local businesses are given a platform within Cala’s new showhomes at Queensferry Heights
· Land to Life, a new schools’ initiative designed to bring the housebuilding industry and creation to life for pupils
· Stay Safe, Stay Away, which aims to educate children about the dangers of playing on building sites.
The Pledge has been developed by teams on the ground, informed by dialogue with people from the community and goes beyond planning obligations.
Keith Giblett, chair of Queensferry and District Community Council, explained, “Cala’s support is invaluable and of tremendous benefit to the many groups which make Queensferry the caring community it is. Our long-standing relationship with Cala goes back to around 2016 with the development of Dalmeny Park, and we are delighted that it has continued to grow, going from strength to strength.”
Derek Lawson, strategic land director for Cala Homes (East), added, “We are delighted to unveil our second Community Pledge for the east of Scotland, which will no doubt bring considerable benefit to people living in South Queensferry. The participation of Queensferry and District Community Council throughout the development of this pledge has been invaluable, and we are thrilled our relationship with locals has continued to be strengthened through this work.
“Collaborating with communities on initiatives that will really make a difference is something we really value, and we are excited to provide further updates on the fantastic programme of support we have planned for this community.”
