Stewart Milne restores forgotten community spaces

Builders at Stewart Milne Group get ready for the RUBY campaign that will regenerate unloved urban spaces

Unloved back yards and forgotten outdoor spaces across Scotland could be in line for a free makeover as part of a major housebuilder’s 40th anniversary pledge.

Stewart Milne Group has launched a campaign to celebrate 40 years in business and will offer funding, material or people to restore or improve run-down community areas in the north east and central Scotland

Judges are now sifting through community bids lodged under its Regenerating Urban Back Yards (RUBY) programme.

A memorial statue or park bench, a piece of outdoor art or sculpture, the upgrade of a children’s playpark, the creation of a new green space or outdoor place for elderly people to enjoy or the construction of sheds for allotments have been touted as possible projects that could take the prize.

John Slater, Stewart Milne Group Managing Director – Homes, said: “For forty years we have been building homes for people in a variety of communities. We have benefited from the communities in which we work and, as part of marking this significant milestone, we want to give something back to those communities.

“A home is about much more than the house itself, it’s about a safe and attractive place to live and enjoy with a mix of amenities. Communal outdoor places are important for everyone from children to the elderly but, in some areas, there is a lack of pleasant outdoor spaces or eyesores which need a bit of love and attention.

“Our campaign aims to lavish a bit of love on these spaces.”

The winners are to be announced later this month and projects will get underway as soon as possible subject to weather and availability of materials and labour.