Loreburn Housing Association and construction company Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd have recently completed their 500th new home as a partnership.

The latest completed project is a development of 23 new properties for social rental in Kirkcudbright.

Built on the site of a former school, the homes are a mix of flats, bungalows, family houses and supported accommodation for customers with specialist needs.

The Kirkcudbright homes are the latest additions to Loreburn Housing Association’s increasing stock of over 2,200 properties across Dumfries and Galloway. Loreburn’s vision is to “create great places to live” and they plan to provide a further 180 homes over the next three years. Another development of eight new homes in central Dumfries is due for completion later this year.

Throughout the partnership with Loreburn, Ashleigh has employed a core base of joiners, bricklayers and decorators from the Dumfries and Galloway area. The partnership’s strong commitment to young people is shown by the creation of 65 apprenticeships for local people. During each project with Loreburn, Ashleigh has also implemented a number of community initiatives, including career days and mock interview events at local secondary schools, competitions for primary schools and sponsorship of local sports clubs.

Lorraine Usher, chief executive of Loreburn Housing Association, said: “Everyone at Loreburn is extremely proud of the homes we provide, and the development of 500 new properties across Dumfries and Galloway was really something to celebrate. By working in partnership with Ashleigh we have developed high quality, energy-efficient affordable housing throughout the region.

“Loreburn’s future plans include the provision of specialist housing linked to employment for young people and high quality accommodation for older people. We are currently considering a scheme for people with dementia, to help meet the regional challenge of an ageing population. With support from the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council, we will continue to build houses that our residents are proud to call home.”

Douglas Small, joint managing director at Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited, said: “We have an extremely productive and long-standing relationship with Loreburn, and to have provided over 500 homes for the people of Dumfries and Galloway has been a landmark achievement. We’re especially proud of the fact that over the course of the partnership we’ve created 65 apprenticeships, countless employment opportunities for local people and given the area’s economy a real boost. We are also delighted that our latest development at Kirkcudbright has been commended for a Best Site award at the 2016 national NHBC Awards.”