A major homebuilder has once again given some help to bring Christmas cheer to Balerno.
As it has done for the last two years, CALA Homes (East) has donated to the Balerno Christmas lights fund, with a further £500 put towards aiding the local community council with its
organisation of the annual illuminations and street decorations.
With the help of the property firm’s contributions, the village of Balerno is now shining brighter
than ever, with two sparkling festive trees in the square, and another at the top end of the main street.
In previous years, CALA has donated funds to supply warm fairy lights for the existing trees in the square which have since become a permanent features, as well as providing trees for each shopfront on the historic main street.
Richard Henderson, Chair of the Balerno Community Council, said: “We are once again grateful to CALA for generously supporting the Christmas lights in the Main Street.
“Being so close to Edinburgh, Balerno can sometimes suffer from a drain of activity to the city
centre, so we are over the moon that we can offer a wonderful festive display to draw people back into the village.
“The turning-on ceremony is usually such a huge event, with 500 people turning out for previous years.
“However, this year the weather forecast was bad for the switch-on evening so we felt we had to cancel the event, and it really was just as well we did. But the lights are on now; it’s looking good and the whole of Balerno, and all the visitors, can enjoy them throughout the Christmas period.”
CALA first started donating to the cause in 2017, in response to starting work at two developments in Balerno, Ravelrig Heights and Kingfisher Park and becoming a visible presence in the community.
Derek Lawson, Land Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “We want the Balerno to thrive and for us to play a positive role in that.
“The community council do an outstanding job getting Balerno ready for festivities, so it is a pleasure to support the efforts of its team.”
