Loreburn has been providing affordable homes since 1982 and operates across Dumfries & Galloway. It owns almost 2,500 properties, 94 per cent of which were built on behalf of the Association by local building contractors.

Established in 2001, Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd has offices in Dumfries and Prestwick covering the South West and Central belt of Scotland and delivers a wide range of new build and refurbishment projects throughout these regions.

Since 2004 the partnership has completed in excess of 27 separate housing developments, creating over 500 new affordable houses for rent in areas ranging from Moffat to Stranraer to Annan. Through this work the organisations have allowed people to move back to their home town or village and in some instances to move back into the local area whilst continuing to receive the support they need.

For Ashleigh, this has generated a sustained pipeline of projects over the years allowing investment in the local economy through employment, local companies and apprentice training.

The milestone of 500 houses marks a great achievement for all involved and has created a platform for the wider role involvement of schools, colleges, local business and third sector & supported businesses. The recruitment, training and investment in young people through this number of projects has delivered true added value to Dumfries and Galloway.

The latest completed development was at Turnberry Crescent, Annan which provided an additional 20 houses on a previously greenfield site.

Loreburn’s new build programme is supported by both the Scottish Government and Dumfries & Galloway Council through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. It was through this programme and the Strategic Housing Investment Plan that they were able to provide the 500 new houses in conjunction with Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd since 2004.

Over the last ten years alone Loreburn has secured approximately £40 million in grant funding for affordable housing across Dumfries & Galloway in addition to private finance invested by Loreburn and financial support from Dumfries & Galloway Council.

The two organisations recently held a celebration event at Turnberry Crescent, then at The Usual Place in Dumfries to mark the milestone. At the event, Loreburn’s chief executive, Lorraine Usher, and Ashleigh’s joint managing director, Douglas Small, planted a tree to mark the completion of these houses. A plaque was also unveiled by new tenants Gillian Rowe and her daughter Kristi.

Councillor Craig Peacock, chair of the housing subcommittee, who attended the event, said: “Loreburn Housing Association has been a key strategic partner for the council over many years. The delivery of 500 affordable homes is a major achievement and this is all the more significant in a rural region like Dumfries & Galloway. Loreburn, through Ashleigh (Scotland) is playing an important role in our towns and settlements. This breathes new life into these places.”