Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has welcomed more residents into its St Nicholas Court sheltered housing complex on Ferry Road, Edinburgh.

As part of a £1.6 million project, eight one bedroom flats were completed by Glasgow-based construction specialists, CCG, earlier in the summer. A sun lounge and guest bedroom, plus additional landscaping - including allotment plots for the residents to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers - have also been created.

The heating system and bathrooms have also been upgraded in the original 35-bedroom development which was built in 1983.

Maureen Tait, sheltered housing services manager at PoLHA, said: “Our St Nicholas Court development has always been a popular choice for people seeking sheltered housing, so we’re thrilled to be able to give more people the opportunity to live here.

“We’re all really enjoying welcoming our eight new residents into these fantastic flats and hope that they make many happy memories in their new homes.”

New tenant Frances McPherson said: “I previously lived in a flat in Lorne Street for 50 years, but my husband has COPD and the stairs were proving difficult. We are delighted with our new home as it’s lovely and bright and requires no decorating. Plus, our four-year-old granddaughter is looking forward to sleepovers.”

Another new tenant Jane Kelly added: “It is lovely living here. It’s a big change as I lived in my last home for 51 years. I’m getting used to the open plan living layout and I’ve had my granddaughter across who has helped me make it feel like home with photographs and ornaments.”

Calum Murray, director at CCG, said: “Over recent years CCG has become more and more active in the region of Edinburgh with a broad range of contracts ranging from new build housing to upgrade and renewal. We have worked with Port of Leith Housing Association on many of these contracts and we were delighted to continue this partnership with St Nicholas Court.

“The new residents across the development will benefit from savings on their energy bills thanks to the upgrades to their heating and the installation of solar PV on the roof as well as the enhanced accessibility brought by the new landscaping.”