Working closely with Craigmarloch School, Cruden’s community benefits team donated and installed a new external play trail to provide pupils with a high quality and safe outdoor area in which they can learn and play. This forms part of Cruden’s long-term commitment to supporting its local communities, with Craigmarloch School located close by to the company’s new build development at Slaemuir.

The development is being delivered in partnership with River Clyde Homes and will see a total of 96 new homes added to the area when completed.

The revamp of Craigmarloch’s outdoor learning facilities was put in place following an initial introduction to the school last year. Catering specifically to children with additional support needs, staff and teachers felt there was a requirement to enhance the outdoor learning experience for pupils by introducing additional sensory-focused facilities, particularly for those who benefit from keeping active through swinging, climbing and balancing exercises.

Following an initial planning visit to the school, installation of the new apparatus was agreed for summer 2022 to minimise disruption to the school’s learning time and have the facilities in place for the new academic year.

Highlighting the positive effect that the new play trail has had on the school, George Walker, head teacher at Craigmarloch School, said: “Our pupils have had a great time exploring the new play equipment. It has enabled them to challenge themselves and each other in a playful and safe manner while they navigate the new apparatus. Our playground is a very exciting place to be following this installation.”

Michael Palethorpe, community benefit manager at Cruden Building Scotland, said: “It always gives us great joy to help local schools through our community benefits scheme, however, Craigmarloch School has been an extra special project for our team. We are aware of how much these new facilities mean to the school’s pupils and hearing of the positive impact that this new outdoor play trail has had on the school already is extremely rewarding. We hope that it is well used and enjoyed by the pupils at Craigmarloch for years to come.”

Sharon Bonnar, area team leader at River Clyde Homes, said: “River Clyde Homes is delighted to be working again in partnership with Cruden Building Scotland who have created a fantastic play trail at Craigmarloch School as part of their Community Benefit Scheme within their contract linked to our recent new build development at Slaemuir.”