Tomintoul Development Officially Opened

Andrew Thin, Convener of the Cairgorms National Park Authority performed the opening ceremony for Langstane's small 5 unit development at Tomintoul. The site is Langstane's first within the area of the National Park and Tomintoul's first social housing development for almost twenty five years.

The event was attended by representatives of the Community and by members of the Board of the National Park, Langstane Committee members and staff, and by the Local Authority.

The houses, designed to a high standard of energy efficiency, were built for the Association by Robertsons of Elgin,and designed by Halliday Fraser Munro, Architects, Aberdeen. The development includes special provision for a local family with significant special needs.

The family involved are Vicki Alderton, her husband Leigh and their two children Kieran (15) and Grant (8). Their newly built home has been specifically designed to meet the needs of eight year old Grant. Grant suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy, is epileptic, autistic and is also registered blind.

The family lived in a two bedroomed council flat, which was too small and not adapted for the growing needs of Grant. Langstane worked with the Aldertons to provide a suitable solution to their housing needs. Vicki Alderton has high praise for everyone involved. "The Housing Association was so supportive and eager to help from the first time we contacted them. Now that we have moved, it feels just right and we are so happy here. Everything from the parking space outside to the cupboard and the lighting levels inside the property have been designed with Grant's needs in mind, and the result is a modern homely and spacious building".

Grant may not be able to express his feelings for his new home but from the smiling faces of the whole family it is obvious to see the effect the move has had on the Aldertons.

The development lies within the Cairngorms National Park area.