A new housing development that caters to residents with a range of complex care needs has opened in Penicuik, Midlothian.

The Teviot Court scheme consists of 12 single-storey properties which are all wheelchair accessible and were designed using the most up to date research and best practice in building design.

Each house contains a bedroom, lounge, kitchen, bathroom and a patio area. The Scottish Government granted £522,000 in funding towards the costs of the project.

One of the first tenants to move into Teviot Court said: "Life will be better. I will no longer be in hospital. I have been in hospital far too long. Moving into my own home will enable me to live more independently, to learn new skills such as cooking and doing housework. I am looking forward to meeting new people, exploring my local neighbourhood and finding out about other things that I can join in with."


Cllr Stephen Curran added: "These new homes have been built to fill the need for housing options for people with complex needs who would find it more difficult to live in more mainstream accommodation. They will provide the best environment to support people whilst ensuring they can live in their own tenancy with dignity and privacy."

Richmond Fellowship Scotland, a charity which supports people with a broad range of needs to live as independently as possible in their own homes, has been appointed to provide support to all tenants living in the development.

(LM/MH)