Work start on Aberdeen charity’s extension project

Located in the Bucksburn area of the city, Hopetoun Court has played a vital role in supporting children with disabilities and their families for many years. To improve accessibility for children, with an increasingly diverse range of complex needs, Aberlour Options Aberdeen is adapting, extending and enhancing its facilities.

The development comprises a new two-storey and single-storey extension, alongside the creation of an accessible landscaped garden and play areas, providing additional space and enhanced facilities designed to meet current and future need. The project will ensure the service can continue delivering high-quality specialist care and support in a safe, nurturing and sustainable environment.

Project manager and quantity surveyor McCue & Porter is delivering the project in partnership with main contractor Burns Construction and architects 56three Architects. Construction will be completed in spring, with children anticipated to move into the enhanced facility early summer 2027.

Lynne O’Brien, chief officer, Children and Families Aberlour Children’s Charity, said: “We are delighted to see construction begin on the re-design of Hopetoun Court. The development represents a significant investment in specialist support for children with disabilities and their families across Aberdeen and the surrounding area.

“The re-design of the service is an exciting development and has involved children, families, and our partners. A huge thank you to the Aberlour Team and partners who have worked incredibly hard to get to this point.

“This investment means Aberlour can continue to deliver high-quality, person-centred care that children and families rely on. During the construction period, our priority remains ensuring continuity of support, with children continuing to receive the same high-quality care through our nearby residential service at Kaimhill.”

The accessible facility will strengthen Aberlour’s ability to provide vital specialist care and support to children with disabilities as well as support to families.

David Cobban, partner of McCue & Porter LLP, said: “Our Practice is delighted to be a part of the Team that is engaged to deliver this exciting new facility at Hopetoun Court, which will provide an excellent level of care and facilities that children with disabilities and special needs rely on.

“Our association with Aberlour Children’s Charity goes back many years, when their Kaimhill facilty was built originally, and we look forward to working with the Aberlour Team, alongside the professional team & contractor, to complete this innovative building that will improve the quality of the lives of many young people in the future.”

Graeme Bruce, contracts director from Burns Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd., said: “We are extremely proud to be delivering this significant project for Aberlour Children’s Charity and to be contributing to the future of such an important service for children and families across Aberdeen.

“Hopetoun Court plays a vital role in providing specialist support, and this investment will create a modern, accessible and sustainable facility capable of meeting the evolving needs of the children who use the service.

“For Burns Construction, projects of this nature demonstrate the wider value of construction and the positive, lasting impact it can have within our communities. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Aberlour, McCue & Porter, Fairhurst and 56Three to deliver a high-quality facility that will support Aberlour’s work for many years to come.

“We look forward to successfully completing the development and seeing the enhanced Hopetoun Court facility make a meaningful difference to children, families and the wider community.”

Gordon Beaton, managing director of 56three Architects, added: “We’re proud to continue our relationship with Aberlour on this important project. At 56three Architects, we believe great design can have a lasting positive impact, and it’s a privilege to help create a safe, welcoming home that will support children and young people for years to come.

“Working alongside an organisation with such a strong commitment to improving the lives of so many makes this project especially meaningful for our team.”