Sanctuary Scotland has finished building 100 affordable homes in South Queensferry, marking a key step in the charity’s first Edinburgh‑area project.
Project details
The Crossings development on Builyeon Road now holds 64 two‑bedroom flats, 16 two‑bedroom houses and 20 three‑bedroom houses. All the full set achieve an EPC B rating, feature photovoltaic panels and were constructed using an off‑site timber‑framed system sourced sustainably.
Funding came from a grant provided by the Scottish government, with construction carried out in partnership with Lovell Partnerships. The 100‑unit block forms part of a larger 398‑unit masterplan for the area.
According to the development director, Gillian Lavety, “These high‑quality homes fitted with energy‑saving products will provide much‑needed affordable housing for people and families in South Queensferry, while helping to create a sustainable and well‑connected new community.”
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They celebrate the milestone.
Lavety added that the charity looks forward to expanding its presence in the east of Scotland after this milestone.
Community reaction
Representatives from both organizations visited the site last week, accompanied by members of the Queensferry & District Community Council. They toured the new residences and met several occupants who had just moved in.
Tony Rankin, regional managing director for Lovell in Scotland, said the project was “significant” and expressed pride in delivering the social‑rent units alongside Sanctuary Scotland. He noted that “developments like this are about far more than the homes themselves. They’re about creating places where people want to live and where communities can grow.” He highlighted that the timber construction reduces waste compared with traditional methods.
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Anne Mitchell, health and wellbeing convenor for the community council, officially opened the site and welcomed the newcomers. “Moving into a new home is a significant milestone and I hope everyone settling in at The Crossings enjoys all that this wonderful community has to offer,” she said.
For many families, the new dwellings mean a shorter commute and easier access to local services. The proximity to existing amenities should ease daily routines and lower transportation costs, a practical benefit that often goes unnoticed in broader housing discussions.
The presence of solar panels also promises lower utility bills, which can make a real difference for low‑income households.
Future outlook
The completion of the first batch of homes paves the way for the remaining phases of the masterplan. Both the charity and the builder have indicated they will continue collaborating on subsequent sections, though specific timelines have not been disclosed.