Monthly Archives: January 2011

CALA reports improved sales figures

CALA Homes in Aberdeen has bucked the January trend, reporting sales worth £2 million in just three weeks.

Seven properties have been taken off the market so far this month, boosting CALA’s already successful Campus development in Aberdeen’s Hilton area.

CALA Homes North Regional Director, Mike Naysmith, commented: “Given the traditionally quiet nature of early January for securing sales, we have performed exceptionally well. This highlights the strength of our product in what continues to be a challenging market.

“Building on our success, this week  will see the launch of two brand new Campus showapartments, increasing our offering to three.

“We enter February in an encouraging financial position, committed to the development’s continued appeal and success.”

The Campus is an exclusive, enclosed development including a mix of prime apartments and townhouses. Conveniently located for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, the University of Aberdeen and the city centre, the properties have proved popular since transforming the former university grounds three years ago.

The first of the new showhomes includes a luxury three-bedroom penthouse apartment with balcony, revealing breathtaking panoramic views of the city. With over 1,000 sq ft of living space it provides more space than the average modern home.

The remaining apartments in this style, all en-suite, will be completed by April 2011.

CALA’s showlodge with customer reception at the entrance to the development has also been refurbished, now home to an elegantly designed two-bedroom apartment. This will also be available for viewing from 27 January.

Prices start from £229,000 and CALA has a range of incentives in place, including part exchange and floor coverings.

The showlodge and showapartment are open daily from 11am until 5.30pm. Contact 01224 355724/725 or visit www.mustseecampus.com

Kinnaird Head Lighthouse

One of Scotland’s first lighthouses, Kinnaird Head’s fascinating story is to be re-told.

The lighthouse, which is owned by Historic Scotland, but run by the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, will see its existing interpretation overhauled and new visitor information panels situated throughout the site which will explain its rich history, from a castle into a lighthouse, the only conversion of its kind in Scotland.

The new panels, which will replace the existing public information, will look at areas such as the workings of the old lighthouse including the engine room and foghorn, life as a lighthouse keeper, and the modern lighthouse, which remains exactly as it was when it was decommissioned in 1991.

The panels will also explain some of the folklore associated with the site, including the famous tale of the piper who drowned in The Wine Tower after being imprisoned by a lord who was angry at him for falling in love with his daughter. Legend has it that the piper can still be heard playing his pipes while he searches for his lost love.

The panels will be placed at key areas around the site and footpath to share its story with visitors, supporting the existing lighthouse tour, which offers daily guided commentary of the site.

“This is such a diverse site, with many stories to tell” said the Museum’s Director Virginia Mayes-Wright, “We are really looking forward to be able to offer more interpretation to our visitors and the new panels will be a great addition to the site.”

Kit Reid, Interpretation Manager for Historic Scotland said;

“We hope that the new interpretation will help bring to life the fascinating history of the site. The north-east of Scotland has a strong maritime tradition and Kinnaird Head is an important part of the region’s heritage.

“It is a truly unique building in Scotland, and a hugely important one and we hope that the new panels will be enjoyed by visitors and educational groups alike.”

The new panels will be on site from this Spring. For further information about the new interpretation panels please contact the Museum on 01346 511022.