McTaggart Construction has been appointed to deliver a new development on the former Newbattle High School site in Easthouses, Midlothian.

The project, on behalf of Melville Housing Group and its subsidiary Ironmills, is set to create 28 quality, affordable, and sustainable homes, aiming to address critical housing needs in the local community.

This marks the first collaboration between Melville Housing and McTaggart Construction, a partnership Melville hopes will be long-term, founded on shared values of quality, sustainability, and community impact. The development of these mid-market rent homes underscores Melville Housing's commitment to regenerating underutilised sites and fostering vibrant, sustainable communities.

"We're delighted to be working with McTaggart Construction on this exciting project at the former Newbattle High School site," said Neil Edgar, Melville's Development Manager. "There's a clear demand for all types of quality affordable housing in the local area and these mid-market homes, the first that Ironmills will have delivered in well over a decade, will help meet that need. We're very excited for work to begin."

Janice Russell, Managing Director of McTaggart Construction, commented: "We are delighted to have been selected for this important regeneration project. The former Newbattle High School site represents a significant opportunity to provide quality affordable housing in an area that will benefit greatly from this investment. Our partnership with Melville Housing will ensure these homes meet the highest standards of sustainability and accessibility."


The development on the former Newbattle High School site represents the final phase of significant recent investments in affordable housing and education infrastructure in the local area. Melville Housing's vision for the site will transform a vacant space into much-needed homes, serving the diverse needs of local residents.

The project will feature a carefully planned mix of housing types, including terrace houses, cottage flats, and a flatted block. All homes are designed to achieve high levels of sustainability and accessibility, aligning with both Melville Housing and McTaggart Construction's commitments to creating homes that meet immediate housing needs and contribute to thriving, connected communities.

Melville Housing has assembled a comprehensive professional team for this project, including Hardies Property and Construction Consultants as Employer's Agent and Principal Designer, Smith Scott Mullan as Architects, Bayne Stevenson as Civil and Structural Engineer, Wardle Armstrong as Landscape Architect, Carbon Futures as Energy Consultant, and Hawthorne Boyle as M+E Consultant.

The development aims to provide safe, affordable, well-built, and attractive housing, positively impacting the local community. The design incorporates a well-considered streetscape with secure pedestrian connections, appropriate car parking, and high-quality landscaping.

McTaggart Construction, one of Scotland's leading affordable housing contractors, was selected through a competitive tender process due to its expertise in delivering complex regeneration projects. The company boasts extensive experience in affordable housing, constructing over 750 new homes annually, with 90% dedicated to the affordable housing sector.

Melville Housing is committed to delivering structured employment and training opportunities throughout the construction phase. Working with McTaggart Construction, the development will implement targeted recruitment strategies, collaborate with local employability partners, and work with supply chain partners to maximise local workforce development and skills training outcomes. Beyond construction, both organisations will actively contribute to the broader Newbattle community through strategic partnerships, volunteering, and in-kind support.