During the tour last week the minster was shown around the interiors and exteriors of the site and given information on the benefits of the Extra Care Housing service.  

Rhona McLeod, CEO, Trust Housing, said: “We’re very proud of our new build at Duns, it will provide modern and energy efficient homes for those who will live here. The site commenced in January 2019 and will be completed by July 2020, providing much needed housing for older people in Duns.

“There will be 30 one and two-bedroom Extra Care Flats and 19 one and two bed Amenity houses. Our innovative Extra Care housing service supports tenants to live independently, with the care and support of Trust staff 24 hours a day. A meal service and social activities will also be available to promote community living.”

Gill Henry, business development director, Hart Builders, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kevin Stewart MSP on site today to see how we are working in partnership with Trust Housing Association to build new homes that will enable older people to live independently for longer. The 49 high-quality homes provide 19 self-contained bungalows alongside the two-storey extra care flats and communal facilities, which all residents will be able to enjoy and benefit from.”

Mr Stewart said: “I’m pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support the building of 49 new accessible flats and houses developed by Trust Housing Association through an investment of £3.8 million. These units will be a welcome addition to Duns and give more people the opportunity to have a home that meets their needs and which are built to a high standard.

“Making sure everyone has a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is central to this Government’s drive for a fairer, more prosperous Scotland. This development will also help us achieve our ambitious target of delivering 50,000 new affordable homes by 2021.”

Councillor Mark Rowley, executive member for business and economic development, added: “Delivering good extra-care homes right across the Scottish Borders is a real priority so I am delighted that Scottish Borders Council has been able to support the Todlaw development in Duns with an investment of over £1.73m. These are just the first of around 150 to be built over the next few years.

“People rightly want to live longer in their own homes so providing appropriate accommodation is vital. This development in Duns will increase the range of care that can be provided to people in their own homes, helping them to live independently and in their own communities for as long as possible and also reducing the impact on various public services.”