The project, which has been under development in Dunbar for over two decades, extended to over 400 acres and includes a range of uses, including residential, commercial, retail, recreation and education.

The highly sustainable development is developed around the five-metre-high sculpture of a brown bear, The DunBear, designed by renowned Scottish sculptor, Andy Scott, also famous for designing The Kelpies. The DunBear celebrates the work of John Muir and demonstrates that the work of every person can make a huge difference for our environment.

Since starting work on site in 1999, the Hallhill development has delivered more than 1,500 homes, either built or under construction. Around 250 of these are affordable family homes.

The Hallhill development is also the location for Dunbar Primary School (primaries 4 to 7), together with playing fields; an Asda supermarket; a garden centre; a hotel; a pub/restaurant, and a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant.

As part of its commitment to the local community and reflecting its sustainable values, HDL gifted 15 acres of land, which now hosts the Healthy Living Centre. This is a community sports hub with excellent facilities and is home to most of the sports clubs in the town.

Land was also provided to East Lothian Council to deliver the primary school. In addition, over 50 acres of woodland has been transferred by HDL to the local community Woodland Trust.

Over the years Hallhill has grown and brought major economic benefits to Dunbar and East Lothian. An independent economic assessment identified that over 600 jobs have been created, 1,524 homes have been built or are under construction and over £30 million is being contributed to the local economy every year (Mackay Consulting 2018).

Since its inception, the population of Dunbar has increased from c. 8,500 to c. 14,400, facilitating the delivery of education, road infrastructure and sporting facilities for the town.

Ken Ross from Hallhill Developments Ltd said: “I am delighted to have completed the purchase of the Hallhill Developments Ltd. I am proud to have worked at Dunbar for many years and now look forward to continuing to deliver and complete the works started by the previous owners.

“Hallhill has proven to be highly successful, creating a location where people want to work, live and play. The development provides a superb range of homes, including affordable homes, excellent educational facilities, road infrastructure and sporting facilities.

“By increasing the population of Dunbar through new homes, we have been able to generate the vital investment required to deliver the facilities the community desires, ensuring their continued sustainability.

“I look forward to developing further at Hallhill, delivering a sustainable development that will address climate change and the needs of the community.”