West Lothian contractor Ashwood Scotland is enjoying an upsurge in fortunes after securing new building contracts valued in excess of £4.5 million.

The Bathgate-based firm, which celebrated its 16th year in business in September, recently commenced work as the main contractor on the new Sports Hall extension at Liberton High School in Edinburgh.

The £2.25m project on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council includes the creation of an extended gymnasium/dance studio and new changing rooms alongside the existing facilities.

“We were extremely proud to be appointed by the Council to carry out this high profile project and will work closely with the local community and other key stakeholders in delivering a first class product,” said Ashwood Scotland’s managing director, Archie Meikle.

A number of other contract wins have been picked up including a £1.5m extension to a residential property in North Berwick and a £500,000 sports centre refurbishment in West Lothian.

In addition, the firm is involved in ward alterations for NHS Lothian at Livingston’s St John’s Hospital and will also carry out window replacement work at Gilmerton Community Centre.

“The construction sector in Scotland is steadily recovering and we have been pleased to see not only an increase in available work but contract values too,” added Meikle.

Meanwhile, The Ashwood Scotland Foundation, which topped £100,000 in donations last year, hosted its Annual Charity Ball in Whitburn on Friday night to raise funds for the Friends of Chernobyl Children West Lothian.

The charity aims to provide a months’ respite for the children of Belarus affected by the nuclear disaster of 1986. The Foundation is sponsoring 3 children at a cost of £1,200 per child and the target figure for the evening was £3,600.

Archie Meikle said: “The Foundation is into its 10th year now and the annual ball is always a great occasion. Last year we had 170 guests and raised £4,450 for ‘Small Change, Big Changes’; we are always stunned by people’s generosity.”