It was a day of celebrations for residents at a sheltered housing development in Moray earlier this month as they officially opened their recently renovated garden with a craft fayre and day of activities.

The garden at Hanover Housing Association’s Burnside Court development in Buckpool underwent a huge renovation project this year to include more communal space, new flower beds and potted plants, an outdoor bowls lane, and an outdoor draughts area.

Some of the residents sold their home made arts and crafts and donated all their proceeds to charity, with many local businesses and individuals taking the opportunity to sell their produce at the development. The residents commented on how great it was to have a chance to shop for things such as fruit and vegetables within the complex.

One of Burnside Court’s oldest and longest residing residents, Magnus Ingles, who has helped look after the garden for over 18 years, had the honour of cutting the ribbon. The formalities were followed by ice cream, with the residents and locals invited to take part in a game of draughts or bowls.

The new garden was made possible through almost £10,000 funding from the National Lottery and assistance from the local 39 Engineer Regiment at Kinloss Barracks, who carried out essential ground survey work. The residents themselves raised over £1,000 to put towards the garden, with Darren Irvin Builders donating £1,200 and Hanover Housing Association donating some of the furniture.

Derek Thompson, chair of Burnside Court Residents Association, expressed his thanks on behalf of the committee and commented: “This has truly been a partnership of organisations making a difference. I’d like to thank everyone who donated their time and money, the residents for their ideas, suggestions and their fundraising over the past 18 months, and to everyone else who has donated and planted flowers and assisted in any way making this garden a reality.

“A special thank you to Marie, our sheltered housing manager, for her guidance and support throughout the entire venture and to the Hanover Scotland staff in the Elgin office for all their assistance.”