Tuesday November 10th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Households in Bonnyrigg are set to benefit from warmer, more energy-efficient homes after Midlothian Council secured £695,000 in Scottish Government funding for a major housing improvement project.
The funding, awarded through the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, will contribute towards a £1.2 million retrofit programme covering 50 council-owned properties in Cameron Crescent.
Edinburgh-based social enterprise Changeworks supported the council in preparing its successful funding application and will continue working alongside it to deliver the improvements.
The Scottish Government fund supports energy efficiency upgrades and the installation of cleaner heating systems in existing social housing.
The latest award builds on a longstanding partnership between Changeworks and Midlothian Council to improve housing across the region.
In 2025, Changeworks helped the council secure more than £1 million through the same fund to install air source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage in 75 council homes.
The organisation also helped secure a further £184,000 through the Government’s Area Based Scheme to install energy efficiency measures in 22 privately owned homes in Rosewell.
Jill Craig, head of retrofit delivery at Changeworks, said: “Congratulations to Midlothian Council on securing this funding. It’s fantastic to see another ambitious retrofit project moving forward, and we’re proud to have supported the council with its successful application.
“We’re now looking forward to helping turn those plans into action in Cameron Crescent. Ultimately, this investment is about making a real difference to people’s everyday lives by improving their homes and creating warmer, more energy efficient places to live.”
Andrew Souter, programme manager for net zero infrastructure at Midlothian Council, said the investment would allow another important retrofit project to move forward.
He added: “We’re delighted to secure this investment for homes in Cameron Crescent. The funding will allow us to move forward with another important retrofit project, improving 50 homes and helping us continue our work to create warmer, more energy efficient housing for our tenants.”
The project forms part of the council’s wider efforts to improve its housing stock and tackle fuel poverty.
In February, Midlothian Council joined Changeworks and local housing providers to establish the Midlothian Retrofit Partnership Forum.
The forum brings organisations together to coordinate improvements, share expertise and identify further opportunities for investment in energy-efficient housing.
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