Lar’s first ever development was at Pinkie Mains in Musselburgh and marked the official launch of the trailblazing charity.

Chair, Ken Macintosh, said: “It’s entirely appropriate that we mark our special anniversary in East Lothian. We’ve enjoyed a number of firsts for the organisation here, including our first development, our first major redevelopment of a derelict site at The Boatyard in Cockenzie and also our first own mixed residential and commercial site here at Meadow House.

“We also have three important sites in Midlothian as part of our portfolio of homes across the country, all of which are looked after by our team in our regional office at Meadow House.

“We’ve enjoyed an excellent and productive relationships with both East Lothian and Midlothian Councils and we’re extremely grateful for their support. Our loan based financial model, as opposed to the usual grant funding for the sector, has proved that innovative thinking can have a major impact helping to address the shortage of high quality, affordable home across Scotland.”

Further events will be held later this year in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Lothian MSP, Jeremy Balfour, who was at the celebration, said: “It was great to be at the 10th anniversary event for Lar. Here’s to many more years of transforming the lives of numerous people across Scotland by offering high-quality homes in communities at affordable rent levels.”

Lar’s first funding pipeline of £120 million, which consisted of a £55m loan from the Scottish Government and private finance of £65m from Bank of Scotland / Scottish Widows, has now been fully allocated or spent. The charity now has 44 sites across 10 local authority areas, including eight in East Lothian and three in Midlothian.

Recently appointed chief executive, Mikko Ramstedt, who was formerly chief operating officer and was one of the architects of Lar’s financial model and business case, added: “We have lots to look forward to in the next phase of our development as a major force in the housing sector. This includes a number of complex regeneration projects as we repurpose derelict and abandoned buildings.

“Our impact for tenants is also considerable and they save on average £3,600 per annum compared to prevailing market rates. Our staff will continue to work hard on their behalf ensuring they have safe, warm and high-quality homes to live in.”

Lar has eight developments in total across East Lothian at: Pinkie Mains; Macmerry; Cockenzie; Dolphingstone; Old Craighall; Dunbar and Prestonpans (x2) and three in Midlothian at: Bonnyrigg; North Middleton and Wester Cowden.