Latest news with #PersimmonHomesEastScotland
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Bathgate mum awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours for service to the community
Victoria Dunnett is the former Chair of the Boghall Drop-In Centre A mum-of-four from Bathgate is 'incredibly humbled' after it was revealed she's being awarded an MBE in King Charles's Birthday Honours list in recognition of her service to the people of West Lothian. Victoria Dunnett is the former Chair of the Boghall Drop-In Centre, a grassroots charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families across the local authority area. The Boghall Drop-In Centre has become a cornerstone of the local community, particularly during the festive period. Its Christmas programme includes free meals, Santa's Grotto experiences, pensioners' parties, and other inclusive events aimed at bringing joy and support to those who need it most. The charity's services are designed to be free wherever possible, ensuring that no one is left behind. During the Covid pandemic, Victoria, along with Kelly Drummond, Heather McCormack, and Graham Cavan, worked tirelessly to prevent hardship in the local community — often putting in 16-hour days, seven days a week for six months to deliver essential support. Victoria's leadership, compassion, and relentless commitment have been central to the success of the centre. The MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) award from the King is a testament to the life-changing impact she has made in her community. Alongside her voluntary work, 46-year-old Victoria is employed locally as a Personal Assistant with Persimmon Homes East Scotland, where she plays a key role in the smooth running of construction sites across the Lothians and Forth Valley. Persimmon supports local communities through its Community Champions programme, donating £750,000 each year, and its Building Futures scheme with donations of over £1 million. Reacting to news of the award, Victoria said: 'I'm incredibly humbled to receive this recognition. It reflects the commitment of an amazing small team that continues to provide vital support through the Boghall Drop-In Centre. 'I'm also deeply grateful to Persimmon Homes East Scotland, whose generous support and ongoing charitable donations — contributed by employees and backed wholeheartedly by senior management — have enabled us to assist families for up to six months at a time. 'I'm proud to be part of such a compassionate organisation, and proud to stand alongside the incredible and resilient people of Boghall and West Lothian.'
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Dunbar charity receives £4,000 boost from Persimmon Homes East Scotland
The Ridge, a charity that provides access to training and support for people who live in Dunbar and the surrounding area, has received a £4,000 donation from Persimmon Homes East Scotland through its Community Champions initiative. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In addition to the financial support, the charity has also received a generous package of tools and equipment to enhance its work in the local community, ranging from new power tools to PPE. The Ridge plays a vital role in Dunbar, offering training, employment opportunities, and support services for people from all walks of life. The donation will support the charity's continued development of local skills and practical support to help vulnerable members of the community to overcome barriers and fulfil their potential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Persimmon East Scotland Managing Director Neil Parry was joined by local MSP and Scottish Government Minister for Housing Paul McLennan, and Homes for Scotland Chief Executive Jane Wood, to handover the equipment and present a cheque to the charity's Managing Director Katie Wood. Neil Parry (Persimmon Homes East Scotland Managing Director), Jane Wood (Homes for Scotland Chief Executive), Paul McLennan MSP, Katie Wood (The Ridge Managing Director) and Jen (Joinery Apprentice at The Ridge). Katie Wood, Managing Director at The Ridge, said: 'We are thrilled to receive the generous donation from Persimmon East are already putting the equipment and PPE to good use, and the donation will help us in delivering our services to the local community. 'It was great to welcome Neil, Paul and Jane to our base in Dunbar and show them what we do. I am delighted that the Community Champions initiative has chosen to support our work.' Paul McLennan MSP said: 'I am so pleased to see the Ridge receive a donation from Persimmon East Scotland's Community Champions initiative. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The Ridge is a fantastic community charity making a positive impact on the lives of many in Dunbar. They are an asset to our local community, and I am delighted to see their work supported in this way. Thank you to Persimmon East Scotland for inviting me along to present the cheque, I was thrilled to be involved.' Neil Parry, Managing Director of Persimmon East Scotland, said: 'The Ridge does fantastic work helping local people gain new skills and confidence and we're delighted to support their efforts by making a donation and providing them with additional equipment. 'We want to support the communities we build in and I hope this donation will help the Ridge continue their positive impact in Dunbar and ensure more local people can benefit from the range of services they provide.' The donation was made through Persimmon's Community Champions scheme, which sees each of the housebuilder's 29 regional businesses donate at least £6,000 every quarter to local charities, schools, and community groups. For more information about the initiative and Persimmon's wider community work, visit
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Housing needs discussed during visit to Livingston development
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Persimmon Homes East Scotland welcomed Livingston MP Gregor Poynton to its Rosebank Wynd development in West Lothian to update him on the site's progress and showcase the high-quality, energy-efficient homes being delivered for local buyers. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... During the visit, Mr Poynton met with the Persimmon East Scotland team and heard how the development is delivering benefits across the community, including through employment and training opportunities for local people. They also discussed the wider opportunities and challenges facing the sector and the role the home builder can play in helping to reduce West Lothian's housing waiting list and tackling the national housing emergency through the delivery of much-needed new homes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP said:'It was great to visit the Rosebank Wynd development and see the progress being made to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local families in Livingston. From left, Construction Manager, John Shields, Construction Director Kevin Ferris, Gregor Poynton MP, Managing Director Neil Parry "Tackling the housing crisis is one of the most pressing challenges we face, both here in West Lothian and across Scotland. Developments like this not only help more people to access home ownership but also create valuable job opportunities and strengthen our local communities. "I look forward to continuing to work with partners to ensure we deliver the homes people in Livingston need.' Neil Parry, Persimmon Homes East Scotland managing director, said: "We were pleased to welcome Gregor to Rosebank Wynd to show him the progress that's being made on site and highlight the positive impact the development is having in Livingston. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'With our homes priced around 20% below the market average, we're committed to helping local families onto the property ladder, while also delivering wider benefits for the whole community.' Persimmon's Rosebank Wynd development will see a total of 140 energy-efficient new homes built in Livingston, with 32 being transferred to a local housing association to help people in housing need. As part of the development, the home builder has invested more than £690,000 to support the local area, including funding for education, play areas and public artwork. For more information about Persimmon Homes East Scotland and its developments, visit their website
