THE gardens of Dovecot Court in Peebles have been spruced up, thanks to the Eildon Housing Association.

Five staff members helped transfer five tons of topsoil over to the flowerbeds as well as helping to fill a new raised bed, which will make it easier for green-fingered residents to enjoy the benefits of gardening.

Last week’s effort was part of the ‘Eildon Makes a Difference’ volunteering scheme which allows employees to spend a half day at work each year volunteering rather than undertaking their normal duties.

The staff were also joined Bert Ferguson, who is a resident at the extra care housing complex and chairman of the Friends of Dovecot group – which organises social events and activities.

Agnes Bell, who lent a hand, said: “It was hard work but really worthwhile. 

“We know how much the Friends of Dovecot do for the residents at Dovecot Court week in week out, so we jumped at the chance to offer what help we could.”

The Friends of Dovecot group recently received funding from the Peebles Common Good Fund to help carry out the work in the communal garden.

Mr Ferguson said: “A big thank you to the Eildon staff for their hard work. 

“The Friends of Dovecot were really lucky to receive support from the Peebles Common Good Fund to make these improvements and our members have been busy in the garden over the last few months installing new benches, planters and flowers. It’s been a real team effort.

It has made a huge difference and the work of the Eildon volunteers helped add the finishing touches.”

Nile Istephan, Eildon’s CEO added: “This was a great opportunity for Eildon staff to help our tenants and the Friends of Dovecot to add the final touches to this wonderful garden. The ‘Eildon Makes a Difference’ initiative has proved very popular with our staff and I am delighted we could make a positive contribution in this way.”