We have been pleased to support another community project in Balerno, contributing a handcrafted wooden bench to the newly revitalised green space on Harlaw Road.
The project came about after Harlaw Land Remediation (Balerno Village Trust) contacted us to ask whether our young people could help create something for the area. Community volunteers had been transforming a green space that had previously been unused, bringing it back to life with new planting, flowers and vegetation. With the space beginning to flourish again, they felt a bench would offer a welcoming place for people to sit, relax and enjoy the improved surroundings.
The bench project was led by our much-loved volunteer woodwork instructor, Ron Smith, who ran Harmeny’s woodwork workshop for many years before retiring this April. Ron built the bench alongside one of our young people, supporting them through the process in the workshop.
The 6ft bench, made from oak, was built and varnished during the winter months, before being safely stored at Harmeny until the green space was ready for its arrival. This autumn, community volunteers designed and installed a solid base to secure the bench in its new home. Now in place, it stands as a lasting contribution to the local community and a reminder of what can be achieved when people work together.
It offers the perfect place to enjoy views across the meadow, which has continued to bring colour to Harlaw Road with late-blooming poppies, cornflowers and corn marigolds.
Ron Smith enjoying the bench alongside volunteers from Harlaw Law Remediation.
This is not the first time Harmeny has worked alongside Balerno Village Trust on Harlaw Road. Earlier this year, our young people and Ron also helped create bespoke shelving for the red telephone box library box, another community space on the same street.
We are proud to play our part in supporting community-led projects in Balerno, and grateful to Balerno Village Trust for inviting Harmeny’s young people to contribute to such a meaningful initiative.
