The event, held to mark Scottish Housing Day, gave residents the chance to connect with their neighbours and discover what makes South Queensferry such a special place to live.

Now in its tenth year, Scottish Housing Day celebrates the role of housing in building thriving communities. This year’s theme, ‘Everyone Needs Good Neighbours’, highlights how important good neighbours and communities are to wellbeing and living well in our homes. The most recent Scottish Household Survey shows that 95% of people in Scotland rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live, underlining the importance of strong community connections and spaces to meet and socialise.

The Crossings, a mixed-tenure Lovell development at Bridgewater Village, will deliver 398 new homes comprising social rent properties, private rented homes and private houses. The project is being delivered in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland, Simple Life (part of Sigma Capital Group), the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council. Designed as a ‘20-minute neighbourhood’, The Crossings will offer residents easy access to shops, services and amenities within a short walk or cycle.

At the Community Connections Day, residents met local representatives, including the Queensferry & District Community Council, who shared insights and knowledge about the area, and enjoyed a family-friendly event with a kids’ zone, face painting, a treasure map activity and stalls sharing local contacts, community groups and activities.

Tony Rankin, regional managing director at Lovell, said: “At Lovell, we really care about people and communities. The Community Connections Day is part of our commitment to supporting not just housing delivery but also the communities at our developments, ensuring residents have the opportunity to thrive in welcoming and well-connected neighbourhoods.”

Gillian Lavety, development director - Scotland, said: “Sanctuary Scotland is proud to work in partnership with Lovell and the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver one hundred high-quality homes for social rent in South Queensferry. Community events like this are a really important way of giving new residents the opportunity to meet their neighbours and feel connected from the start and we look forward to supporting families as they settle in and make this development their home.”

Niamh Waldron from Simple Life (part of Sigma Capital Group) said: “Simple Life is committed to creating rental communities where people feel secure and benefit from a professional rental service. The Lovell Community Connections Day allowed residents to get to know their neighbours and discover everything South Queensferry has to offer.”

Keith Giblett, Queensferry & District Community Council, said: “Strong communities are built on good neighbours and we’re delighted to welcome new residents to South Queensferry. Days like this showcase what makes our town special, with people coming together to support each other, share knowledge and make newcomers feel at home. Queensferry & District Community Council also welcomes the opportunity to work with Lovell Homes, not just on this event but throughout the life of the development and the building of new homes.”