The housebuilder has installed the bench at its popular development, The Lawers at Balgray Gardens, to help boost mental health awareness among residents who live in the new Maidenhill community.

Breathing Space is a free telephone and webchat service that aims to help those in Scotland living with and launched the benches as part of its ‘You Matter, We Care’ campaign in 2019. It encourages people to make a positive difference to others’ lives with little acts of kindness and positivity.

The new bench is located at a popular walking route regularly used by those who live in the development and the wider community, offering spectacular views of Glasgow’s well-known vista whilst locals take some time out of their day for a quiet moment.

It also features a plaque with information on Breathing Space, directing people to the helpline which is available on evenings and weekends for anyone struggling with distress in their lives.

The installation follows on from the introduction of Breathing Space benches at other Cala West developments, including Beatrice Meadows in Kirkintilloch, Kinnaird Wynd in Falkirk, and Jordanhill Park in Glasgow’s West End.

Hugh McKay, site manager at Cala Homes (West) Balgray Gardens development, said: “We are so pleased to have this bench installed at The Lawers at Balgray Gardens. We’ve installed it along a walking route that is used by so many from the development and it is positioned so you can see many of Glasgow’s most iconic landmarks, including the Glasgow Science Centre Tower, Glasgow University’s steeple and the Campise Fells. It’s the perfect spot for quiet reflection.”

Tony McLaren, national co-ordinator for Breathing Space, added: “The bench we have installed here is to help the spread of positivity, as well as encouraging people to reach out to those who need it most. By adding the plaque with our phone number, we hope to make more people aware of the helpline and to let them know they have somewhere to turn if they are struggling with their mental health.

“This is the sixth bench we have installed with Cala Homes, and we hope the residents at Balgray Gardens are able to enjoy the bench in this serene and calm setting, and that it has a positive impact on the local community.”