This is what Riverside Scotland are celebrating this Scottish Housing Day.

Across Scotland, stories are emerging of friendships formed, support shared, and lives enriched through the simple act of neighbourliness. 

One such story comes from Monkton, South Ayrshire, where two women found not just homes, but lifelong friendship.

Until two years ago, Sharon King and Yvonne Stibbles had never met. That changed when both were offered homes by Riverside Scotland within Persimmon’s Fairfields development. Just four doors apart, the two women quickly became inseparable. Sharon recalled: “When we moved in, we just clicked. It felt like we’d known each other forever.”

Their bond deepened when Yvonne and her partner William decided to get married this August. Sharon was there every step of the way – crafting wedding favours, hosting planning nights, and offering unwavering support. In a touching gesture of gratitude, Yvonne asked Sharon to be a bridesmaid.

Sharon said: “It meant the world to me. Helping plan the wedding was so special, and being asked to stand beside Yvonne and her family on the big day was an honour I’ll never forget.”

Yvonne added: “Sharon and I hit it off as soon as we met. She was a great support in the lead up to the wedding and the day wouldn’t have been the same without her being part of it. My daughter jokes if she can’t find me, she just needs to ring Sharon!”

It’s not just the women who’ve grown close – their husbands, Matthew and William, have become friends too. Both golf enthusiasts, they enjoy catching up over a round of golf or while washing their cars on the street.

The friendship between Sharon and Yvonne is just one example of the strong sense of community that’s blossomed on their street. Neighbours look out for one another, share lifts to the recycling centre, and gather outside for chats in the sunshine.

Yvonne continued: “We couldn’t ask for better. Everyone’s so kind. If someone’s heading to the dump, they’ll ask if we need anything taken. In good weather, we sit out together and have a good blether. It’s a lovely street.”

She also praises Riverside Scotland’s staff, who regularly visit for estate walkabouts, giving residents a chance to connect and share feedback, adding: “Our Tenant Partner, Arlene and Customer Engagement Officer Gavin pop by regularly to ensure there are no issues, and that the estate is kept tidy and well maintained. We are very lucky to live in a neighbourhood we can be proud to call home.”

Sharon added: “I’ve never felt this sense of community anywhere else. We’re so grateful – beautiful homes, amazing neighbours, and a real feeling of belonging.”

Riverside Scotland is committed to building strong, resilient communities. That’s why it developed a Communities and Livelihoods Strategy – a comprehensive plan that goes beyond traditional housing services to deliver social value initiatives for customers and local communities from 2024 to 2027.

The strategy focuses on key objectives to help navigate the cost-of-living crisis and enhance community resilience. As part of this work, Riverside Scotland conducted  Neighbourhood Plan surveys across it’s communities to better understand what customers think about their neighbourhoods – and what they need to improve them.

Each plan outlines the work the organisation will focus on locally, in partnership with customers, community groups, councils, and charities. The Riverside Scotland team is committed to delivering these plans, progressing actions, and ensuring promises are kept. Plans will be monitored throughout the year and reviewed annually.

Local Offers are being produced for every area where a Neighbourhood Plan has been developed – providing feedback to customers and showing how their voices are shaping the future of their communities.

Local Offers have already been developed for Pennyburn and Drongan. Irvine and Dumfries surveys were carried out over the summer and offer documents will be posted to customers in the coming weeks.

Pamela Forrest, head of housing and communities at Riverside Scotland, commented: “Yvonne and Sharon’s story is truly heartwarming and a wonderful example of the power of community.

“We’re committed to listening to our customers and continuously improving our neighbourhoods. Stories like this remind us why investing in community connections is so important. We are delighted to mark Scottish Housing Day with such a fantastic story and wish Yvonne and William a wonderful future as Mr and Mrs Stibbles.”