An open day was held recently to mark the opening of a new Loreburn development in Dumfries.
Hera Grange, a small development of 11 bungalows, with a staff and resident activity hub was developed by Loreburn in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership and Turning Point Scotland. The high-quality new homes offer accommodation with access to on-site support and assistive technology to aid and enable independent living.
The community is named in memory of Dumfries local, Lance Corporal Joseph McFarlane Pool, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2010.
Lance Corporal Pool rescued a mistreated puppy during his tour of Afghanistan and his relatives and friends later brought the puppy, named Hera, back to the UK.
His parents, Roddy and Stella attended the Open Day alongside family members of residents, as a memorial bench was unveiled in the garden.
Hera Grange residents enjoyed a community picnic with their families and staff after the official celebrations concluded.
Graham Robertson, Head of Development at Loreburn commented: “Hera Grange continues our commitment to building high quality homes with a range of specialist design features that can aid independent living, and which help to address the region’s housing and social care challenges.
‘‘Loreburn were delighted to deliver the project through our development programme and to honour Joseph’s memory through the naming of the scheme.’’
Turning Point Scotland’s Sharon McMullan said: ‘‘It is wonderful to be here to recognise the tremendous amount of work, resources and dedication of our development partners and staff who made Hera Grange a reality. We hope to see similar projects replicated across the region. Residents moved into their new homes in January and since then, it has been a pleasure to see this new community, and our staff, benefit from this modern housing.
This modern facility allows people with complex disability to be afforded quality housing with their own tenancy.’’
Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Social Work Committee Andy Ferguson said: “It is encouraging to see this new development and hopefully we will see more like this in the future across D&G. This development is a result of the positive collaboration between Dumfries and Galloway Council through the Health and Social Care Partnership, Turning Point Scotland and Loreburn Housing Association.’’