Two of the best known female faces in Scotland’s home building industry are in the midst of final arrangements as they prepare to fly to India later this month to help some of the country’s most marginalised communities build their own homes.

Supporting the vital work of Habitat for Humanity, chief executive of trade body Homes for Scotland Nicola Barclay and colleague Gill Henry of Cruden Homes will be taking part in the charity’s ‘Women Build’ event in Mumbai from 21-28 January.

Helping to provide the poorest and most vulnerable with a decent place to call home, they have already raised an impressive £8,500 to support the charity venture, which will see them working on a building site and undertaking tasks such as mixing and pouring concrete, bricklaying, painting and plastering.

Nicola said: “We know it’s going to be a tough job, but more than half of the people in Mumbai live in slums with many more living in extremely basic tenements or on the streets.

“Coming from an industry which is rooted in the premise that everyone should have a safe and secure home, having the opportunity to join with other women to help improve conditions for those less fortunate than ourselves is a great privilege and gives us the chance to give something back.

“There will no doubt be a lot of blood, sweat and tears but we are sure the rewards will be worth it!”

Meryl Davies, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, said: “I’m delighted that Gill Henry and Nicola Barclay are participating in our Women Build in Mumbai this month. Their commitment to providing safe, affordable homes for vulnerable families is testament to the values shared between our organisations.

“My thanks to Nicola and Gill for their remarkable fundraising over the past few months. They are invaluable members of the Women Build team and I know they will make a huge difference to the lives of the families they work alongside in India.”