A major housing milestone has been reached in Edinburgh with the completion and handover of the first affordable properties constructed in the Blackford area for more than six decades.

Developer Cala Homes (East) has transferred 12 energy-efficient apartments to Wheatley, one of Scotland's leading housing providers, to be used for social rent. Situated on the site of the former St Crispin's School in Blackford, the wider redevelopment project aims to deliver high-quality accommodation for individuals and families requiring affordable housing options within the capital.

Among the initial residents moving into the new properties is 35-year-old father of three, Michael Brown. Relocating from a two-bedroom flat situated in North Edinburgh, he described the transition as a significant personal milestone.

Michael said: "This is the first home I've ever had that's truly my own, so getting the keys was an incredible moment. When I walked through the door and saw everything brand new, I couldn't quite believe it. The space, the layout and the quality of the home are fantastic. I'm absolutely over the moon with it."

Having spent more than twelve months on the housing waiting list, he emphasised that securing a comfortable environment for his children was one of the most vital outcomes of the relocation.

"Moving here feels like a real fresh start. The area is quiet; the neighbours have been friendly and the views across the city are amazing.

"For someone like me, getting the chance to live somewhere like this is a brilliant opportunity. Having a proper home where my kids can stay and feel settled means everything to me.

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"I've been able to give them their own bedrooms and somewhere they can relax when they visit, and that's something I'm really proud of."

Stephen Faller, Senior Land Manager at Cala Homes (East), noted that the handover marks a vital phase in supplying critically needed housing across Edinburgh.

"Developments like this show how new homes can make a real difference to communities," said Stephen.

"Through our partnership with Wheatley we have delivered modern, energy-efficient homes that will provide secure and comfortable living for residents in an area where opportunities like this have been extremely limited for decades.

"These homes are particularly significant because they represent the first new social rented properties built in Blackford for more than 60 years. It demonstrates the important role that new build housing plays in delivering homes for people who need them most."

The new properties will be managed by Wheatley Homes, which operates under Wheatley, one of the largest property management and housing organisations in Scotland. The finalisation of the Blackford scheme underscores how partnerships connecting developers, local government, and housing associations can successfully deliver high-quality residential options.

James Ward, Wheatley Homes East Managing Director, said: "We're delighted to take handover of these much‑needed new homes in Blackford.

"Good‑quality, affordable housing makes a real difference to people's lives, providing stability, security and a place to call home.

"These modern, energy‑efficient apartments will help meet local housing need in an area where opportunities like this have been extremely limited for six decades."

This project aligns with Cala's ongoing dedication to brownfield land regeneration throughout the Edinburgh region, following various successful developments in Leith, Trinity, Liberton, Queensferry, Ratho, and Newington.

Cllr Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council, commented: "We have a housing emergency in Edinburgh. We've got a huge demand for housing of all types, and we have very ambitious build programmes of affordable housing throughout the city.

"This development is a shining example of how integrated, mixed housing projects can positively impact a community."

In coordination with the City of Edinburgh Council's CityPlan 2030 strategy, the completed site features sustainable transport measures, such as EV charging points and extensive bicycle storage facilities for both affordable and private homes.

Furthermore, the acquisition of the land by Cala facilitated the relocation of staff and students from the former St Crispin's School, an institution supporting learners aged four to 18 with additional support needs. Last February, they transferred to a purpose-built £12 million facility situated on the former grounds of Burdiehouse Primary School.