The new school, being delivered on behalf of Midlothian Council by its development partner Hub South East, is currently on site with Morrison Construction. As part of the project, a range of targets have been set to ensure that the local area of Easthouses is directly benefiting from the work going on.

Most recently this has included work in partnership with local youth group Y2K. Pinnacle Furniture visited the local high school in Newbattle to deliver a session highlighting careers in construction. Learning went beyond words when students participated in an activity to build six coffee tables, with the winners receiving vouchers for their outstanding work. These tables, alongside chairs, additional tables and a sofa, were donated by Pinnacle to Y2K, with two extra sofas gifted as part of the project.

Kathryn Geekie, Hub South East’s social impact manager, said: “Key to the success of Hub projects is agreeing, in partnership with clients, bespoke outcomes for social impact in their particular area. We develop targets and drive these to deliver maximum positive benefits, ensuring a lasting legacy long after construction is complete. We’re proud of the work we have delivered on the Easthouses project and would like to thank our incredibly generous supply chain for their commitment to local investment.”

Highlighting the difference such support makes, Lyndsey Ritchie, Y2K’s project manager, said: “We are delighted with the support we have received and the donation of furniture has made a huge difference to our youth project. We work with over 500 young people each year and Y2K is an important, safe space for so many local youths. As a charity, this type of support is invaluable and contributes to making sure we can continue to provide a welcoming space for our service users to enjoy.”

Pinnacle’s operations director, Mark Allen, added: “It was truly inspiring to engage with the students, who showed genuine interest and curiosity. Their questions about furniture design, lifeboats, and more demonstrated their eagerness to explore various aspects of construction. It’s fulfilling to know that our contribution will help pave the way for their futures.”

Jim Johnstone, Morrison Construction Building Central’s head of communities and social impact, said: “Supporting third sector organisations is a key part of our social value strategy that seeks to build capacity and strengthen local communities. We were delighted to be part of facilitating this donation to Y2K and hope both they and the young people they are involved with benefit from the new furniture for years to come.”

With the support of a generous supply chain, the project has also benefited local community groups, including roof repairs to Easthouses Football Club, community meal sponsorship and work on a memorial garden for the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust.

The new school will open to pupils in August 2024.