A state-of-the-art dementia-friendly care complex has been officially opened in Penicuik, Midlothian.

The £8m centre consists of 28 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom self-contained flats, while energy saving benefits have also been included. The building has been constructed to promote independent living by the residents and has been designed in a dementia-friendly layout.

Taking just over a year to build, Midlothian Council received £1m in funding from the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Investment Programme for the facility.

Council Leader Owen Thompson, said: "This development has set a new standard for us. We are seeing what a difference it can make in people's everyday lives. It's such an important building for older people as well as the facilities it provides to the wider community.

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"A lot of hard work has gone into the construction and design of the building and this is shown in the number of awards it has been nominated for and won. It really is a flagship development in Midlothian, but one which should be celebrated across Scotland."

Cabinet Secretary, Alex Neil MSP, added: "This is a fantastic facility and a great example of health boards and local authorities working together to benefit patients. People in Scotland are living longer, healthier lives. This inevitably means that services need to evolve.

"We want to support more people to live well in their own homes, or a homely setting, for as long as possible and facilities such as Cowan Court are integral to this aim."

The new facility has already been shortlisted, and won, a number of awards.

It was shortlisted in the Scottish Housing Awards 2014 for its energy efficiency, location and design, and it was also selected as one of the top 50 best new affordable housing developments in the UK by Inside Housing.

(JP/IT)