The amenity service offers safety and security features and access to staff support if needed, while the innovative extra care housing provides 24 hour staff care and a meal service. The care services are personalised to each individual and provide a flexibility that can fit around day to day changes in health and activities.

Trust staff have spoken with some of the amenity tenants who live in the bungalows, and the feedback is very positive. Mr and Mrs Lacey described their experience as “absolutely delightful and life changing”, confirming they now have greater “independence and quality of life.” Mr and Mrs Walker added that it’s a “very good service”.

Rhona McLeod, CEO, Trust Housing, said: “We’re very pleased that our first tenants are so happy with their new properties – our aim is to make sure everyone who lives with Trust is receiving an excellent service and receiving the care or support they need. We have an experienced staff team in place to provide this service.”

Gill Henry, business development director of Hart Builders, said: “Hart Builders is delighted to complete the first development in partnership with Trust Housing Association and see that tenants are already enjoying life in their new homes. The mix of bungalows and flats with communal facilities and generous landscaped grounds provides a really attractive setting, and the amenities and space will help to meet the changing needs of tenants and will allow them to be as independent as possible.”

Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for economic regeneration and finance, (who also has responsibility for housing), added: “The significant progress that Trust and Hart Builders have made against the particularly challenging circumstances of the past year is to be commended and it is heartening to hear such positive feedback from the first tenants as they settle into their new homes.

“Expressions of interest remain open for the tenancies in the extra care housing properties and I would encourage anyone looking to live independently and as part of their local community, with the comfort and security of knowing additional support and amenities are available, to get in touch and find out more. Trust has created a series of videos that are an excellent way for people to have a virtual viewing of the flats so they can appreciate the quality of the build and the range of services that will be available. There is also an information pack and photos available on their website and of course, you can phone our Customer Advice and Support Services team if you would like to speak to someone directly.”

The homes are close to the centre of Duns, which offer a whole range of amenities, and include 30 flats and 19 bungalows which are a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, all of which offer spacious and accessible living design solutions, modern open plan living and kitchen areas and wet floor bathrooms.

This type of accommodation supports people to live well and independently, in their own home, for as long as possible and remain part of their local community, so this exciting development is a really welcome addition to Duns.