At least 16 families who have been homeless or stuck in temporary accommodation have been given homes across both cities.

Six families have moved into their new homes in South Queensferry, while ten have moved into their places in Tillycairn, Glasgow. A further eight homes are expected to be available for families to move into at Farrier Fields, Edinburgh in March 2026. This follows eight families moving into homes in Queensbury in December 2024.

Housing association Home Group Scotland has worked with the local authorities in Edinburgh and Glasgow to secure the large family homes, which are so desperately needed by families across the two cities.

Edinburgh, for example, has faced a significant rise in homelessness among children and families, with figures from Shelter Scotland in 2024 showing it had risen 148% in the past five years.

In March 2024, the data showed there were 3,127 children living in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh – with single parent households spending on average 600 days in temporary accommodation.

Housing associations like Home Group Scotland regularly provide affordable housing across the city, but it can be particularly difficult in the current housing crisis to find available larger bedroom homes suitable for families.

Schemes like the ones in Edinburgh and Glasgow mean families can have a great Christmas and start the New Year within their own safe and secure environment.

Bryony Willett, director of Home Group Scotland, said: “Being able to provide affordable housing like this is why we work in social housing. Through these, and previous partnerships, we have been able to provide new homes to local families desperately in need of a place to call their own.”

Earlier this year, Home Group Scotland worked with Edinburgh City Council to secure eight family homes in Queensferry.   One of those customers was Davie, who we are not identifying due to a domestic issue, says his new home has been life-changng.

Davie and his two children had found themselves temporarily homeless and cramped into his mother’s small flat after having to leave their home, with the small space taking a toll on his and his children’s mental health.

Davie said: “It’s been amazing. It has completely changed our lives. I can’t believe it. We were living in a two bedroom flat with my mum. Suddenly I was sharing a bedroom with my son. It wasn’t good for any of us.

“My two kids have had such a difficult time; it was a nightmare. But having this place now, it’s just made everyone a million times better. They can settle down and feel safe, and my whole family is in Queensferry and that is so important for the kids.”