McTaggart Construction has completed work to upgrade 25 flats on Katherine Street in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian, for Almond Housing Association.

Work began in early January 2024 and signals the company's return to refurbishment projects after a period concentrating on new-build schemes. Triggered by a fire in early 2022, the scope moved beyond basic reinstatement to deliver modern, energy-efficient homes for residents.

The programme included a new external wall insulation and render system to boost the performance of the building fabric. The former gas boiler network was replaced with individual air source heat pumps in every flat, providing efficient heating and hot water.

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These measures are expected to help cut energy bills for residents while contributing to Scotland's net zero targets. Funding for the energy efficiency elements came from the Scottish Housing Net Zero Heat Fund.

"We are delighted to have completed this important project for Almond Housing Association," said Janice Russell, Managing Director at McTaggart Construction. "This refurbishment demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering sustainable, energy-efficient homes that will benefit residents for years to come. The Katherine Street project shows how refurbishment work can combine fire safety reinstatement with forward-thinking environmental improvements."

Iona Taylor, Director of Asset Management from Almond said: "The Katherine Street project followed a significant fire and presented an opportunity to ensure the block was as energy efficient as possible for our customers. The non-traditional construction of the block presented a number of challenges which the team from McTaggart overcame alongside our consultants, Ramsay McMichael, and our in-house development team. We are delighted with the end result – high quality homes."