A new affordable housing development on the site of a former primary school has welcomed its first tenants.

The 38 new council houses have been built in the space of the Lairdsland Primary School in Kirkintilloch and offer a range of one and two-bedroomed flats.

The development, part of the ‘Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan’, includes four wheelchair-accessible flats and eight amenity flats on the ground floor for tenants with specific health needs.

Megan Cassidy, partner Mikey Hanlon and dog Lily were amongst the first to move into their new homes.

Glasgow Times:

Megan said: “We are really happy with the flat.

"You can tell it has been specially designed and adapted for a wheelchair user, which is amazing.

“It is a lovely area and all our neighbours seem really nice.

"I think we will be here for a long time.”

The project, which included the demolition of the Lairdsland Primary School, was completed within two years and the final flats were handed over to the Council last month.

Artefacts from the school including original stonework have been incorporated into the new building.

Two cast iron columns from the ‘world-famous’ Lion Foundry are also being used as streetlighting in the courtyard.

Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of place, neighbourhood and corporate assets, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of this smart and sympathetic development in the heart of Kirkintilloch.

“This site forms just one part of the Council’s affordable housing investment programme, which is helping to meet the needs of local people who are finding it increasingly difficult to get on the housing ladder."