The Leys Group, which includes Bancon Group and Leys Estate Group, pledged to support three organisations as part of Bancon Group’s 50th anniversary year, with one charity selected from each of the key areas in which the group operates.

In total, £26,808.14 was raised and shared between Camphill School, Stonehaven Men’s Shed and Strathcarron Hospice. Camphill School received £13,400.72 with both Stonehaven Men’s Shed and Strathcarron Hospice receiving £6,703.70.

Colleagues from across the group supported a wide range of fundraising activities throughout the year, including a Lairig Ghru trek, quiz night, Christmas Jumper Day, themed bake sales and 10K challenges.

Andrew Tweedie, Bancon Group CEO, said: “Marking our 50th anniversary in this way has been incredibly meaningful for everyone at Bancon Group.

“It’s been inspiring to see colleagues come together across the businesses to support such important local charities, and we’re delighted that our efforts will make a positive difference.”

David Smart, chief executive of Leys Estate Group, said: “Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the various fundraising activities over the past 12 months.

“We are proud to have raised such a fantastic amount for three very worthwhile causes and look forward to seeing how the donations will support their ongoing work.”

Colum Pooler, CEO of Camphill School Aberdeen, added: “We are hugely grateful to the Leys Group and their staff for this fantastic donation. Their commitment and the creative approach they have taken to fundraising over the past year is incredible and this donation will make a meaningful difference to the lives of the children and young people we support here at Camphill.”

Bancon shortlisted

The news comes as Bancon Homes and Bancon Construction have been shortlisted as finalists in the private and social housing categories at the Scottish Homes Awards 2026.

The Banchory-based business, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has been recognised in two categories: Housing Development of the Year (Large Private Sale) for its Queens Gate project in Strathaven, and, together with Aberdeen City Council, Social Housing Development of the Year (Over 100 Units) for the Cloverhill development in Aberdeen.

The annual Scottish Home Awards celebrate excellence across the housing sector, recognising quality, design, and contributions throughout the country. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the DoubleTree Hilton hotel in Glasgow in June.

This latest shortlisting builds on the success of Bancon Group, which has also been shortlisted for this year’s cHeRries Awards in acknowledgement of its work to strengthen workforce engagement and performance across its construction, timber frame, and housebuilding operations.

Bancon Homes & Construction managing director Jamie Tosh said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as finalists in the Scottish Home Awards 2026 across both private and social housing categories. Queens Gate and Cloverhill showcase the breadth of what we do at Bancon, delivering high-quality homes and creating sustainable, well-connected communities that people are proud to be part of.

“These nominations are a testament to the hard work, dedication and collaboration of our teams, partners and stakeholders, and we look forward to celebrating alongside the very best in Scotland’s housing sector.”

In the Housing Development of the Year, the highly sought-after Queens Gate is a high-quality, multi-phase residential development, that forms part the East Overton Masterplan on the north-eastern edge of Strathaven. Thoughtfully designed and sensitively delivered, it represents a major new community for the town, combining high quality architecture and landscaping, along with excellent access to local amenities and transport links.

With Phase 1 (54 homes) complete, Phase 2 (51 homes) nearing completion, and Phase 3 due to launch in late 2026, Queens Gate is already well established as one of Strathaven’s most desirable locations. The development offers beautifully designed three, four and five-bedroom homes, characterised by exceptional craftsmanship, generous green space, attractive walking routes and outstanding energy efficiency.

Located between Bridge of Don and Aberdeen Beach, Cloverhill, has been shortlisted in the Social Housing Development of the Year category. Designed and built to Gold sustainability standards, the development includes a wide range of energy-efficient homes, from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom family houses, with 15% designed to be wheelchair accessible. Appointed as main contractor by Aberdeen City Council in 2021, Bancon delivered 536 high-quality, 100% affordable homes as part of the Council’s largest housebuilding programme in over 50 years.