25/11/2025
We are thrilled to announce that the Black Bull Close project in Dunbar has received the EAA 2025 Community Award.
The project was spearheaded by Kate Darrah, Managing Director of The Ridge SCIO, a charity dedicated to providing training and support to local residents of Dunbar and the surrounding area. Kate held an ambitious vision: to transform a set of ruinous Category B listed 18th-century buildings off the High Street into a vibrant new home for the charity and a community hub for the town. Crucially, all works were undertaken by their in-house construction company and social enterprise, The Ridge Foundations, and their team of trainees.
Simpson & Brown collaborated closely with The Ridge to develop proposals for the comprehensive restoration and extension of the buildings at Black Bull Close. The result is a stunning transformation that now includes a series of much-needed community spaces, offices, and a sheltered community garden. Work commenced on site in December 2022 and was successfully completed earlier this year. Throughout the build, specialist contractors worked alongside trainees, imparting a wide range of expertise in both traditional skills and modern construction methods.
The completed project has generated a wealth of benefits to Dunbar; brought derelict buildings off the High Street back into use, created new community spaces, and facilitated the training of local young people in traditional skills like lime work, stonemasonry and joinery increasing their employment opportunities. Simpson & Brown is delighted to continue its partnership with The Ridge and their amazing team. Work is soon to commence on our next collaborative project which will see the creation of six new homes, a retail space and offices on an adjacent high street plot.
