Almost one in five of Melville’s original properties (those built before the 1995 transfer from Scottish Homes) are to have new kitchens fitted over the next 12 months.

Carried out by fitters from Dunedin Canmore, who have devoted a third squad of workmen to the Melville contract to cope with the extra demand, the replacement of 287 kitchens will be spread across much of Melville’s Midlothian stock including homes in Gorebridge, Penicuik, Mayfield, Bonnyrigg, Pathhead and Poltonhall.

As well as kitchen replacements, this year’s investment will also pay for 75 new bathrooms in Gorebridge, 26 new heating systems spread across all stock and a number of replacement roofs.

Melville Housing chairman Bob Anderson said: “Kitchen replacements were an early priority when Melville took over from Scottish Homes back in 1995, however, over recent years, much of our annual planned maintenance investment has been in external wall insulation.

“With the successful conclusion of the significant insulation project in Mayfield we can now, once again, invest heavily in kitchen replacements across our older stock. Tenant feedback on Dunedin Canmore’s kitchens has been very positive so far and we look forward to rolling out the replacement programme in the coming months.”

Details of Melville’s 2017/18 planned maintenance programme are currently being finalised. All Melville tenants due a home upgrade will be contacted closer to the time.