DJ Laing Homes Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The business is part of the D J Laing Group which was established by David and Dorothy Laing, primarily as a civil engineering contractor in 1975 which diversified into housebuilding in 1986 and waste recycling in 1992. The company currently employs 100 team members and 40 local sub contractors. David Laing, Managing Director commented:“The success of our Company relies on our skilled workforce consistently achieving high standards and we are committed to developing their skills to provide an outstanding quality product for our clients”.

D J Laing Homes focus on quality not quantity. Their first project was the refurbishment of two cottages at Long Row, Easthaven. Since then, the company has built over 600 new homes on 25 new housing developments in Carnoustie, Dundee, Letham, Brechin and Arbroath. The company’s largest development to date was at Ballumbie in Dundee where 223 brand new homes were built from 1999 to 2012. This development was extremely popular as the property industry was at its peak. House buyers queued up overnight following a release, some for up to 1 week. It’s a great way to meet your new neighbours !

In 1999 the Company carried out extensive work on a former jute mill which was in an extremely dilapidated condition; a mere shell, and transformed the building into their Headquarters known as Laing House. This building enjoys a panoramic view of Carnoustie’s championship golf course and won an Angus Design award for the building’s design by local architects, the Voigt Partnership.

“Heinz Voigt”, Director of the Voigt Partnership commented: “In 1991 we grasped the opportunity with both hands to work with D J Laing as we recognised their drive and ambition to grow into the renowned business they are today. In the early years we had a lot to prove to Dave Laing but his risk with us has matured into a lasting relationship which we still value today and we are still as passionate in achieving the goals set by DJ Laing today as we have been over all these years. Their homes division has grown in stature since their tentative venture into the Housing Development Market experimenting with innovative design and construction techniques and today they can pride themselves in providing quality homes for their customers to live in and enjoy. We look forward to the next 30 years where client and friendships have merged into a lasting and valued relationship working together in order to produce the homes of the future. We wish DJ Laing Homes every success in achieving their goals and high standards for the years to come”.

D J Laing has also worked in partnership with Angus Housing Association in providing 74 much need affordable homes in Carnoustie, namely 1 and 2 bedroom flats and 2 and 3 bedroom homes.

Bruce Forbes, Director, Angus Housing Association commented:“Since 2004, Angus Housing Association has enjoyed a very positive and constructive working relationship with DJ Laing Homes. Together, we have built over 70 affordable houses for rent in Carnoustie which have made a significant contribution to meeting housing need in a pressurised market area. We hope to build on this relationship in the coming years to deliver more homes for rent, especially as DJ Laing Homes is a local company which like us, has genuine roots in the communities they work in”.

Their development at McBride Drive in Carnoustie was named after D J Laing’s Development Manager, Allan McBride who sadly passed away in 2009 after a brave battle with cancer. Allan won the NHBC’s Top Site Manager in Scotland award in 1995 and was a much admired professional within the construction industry.

D J LAING is committed to supporting the local community and has been the main sponsor of Carnoustie Panmure Junior Football Club for the past 26 years and shared the club’s success when they won the Scottish Junior Cup in 2004.

D J Laing has a long and valued relationship with solicitors formerly known as Shield and Kyd. “I have been delighted to have provided legal advice to the Company since 1998” said Derek Petrie, Partner of the firm now known as RSB Lindsays, Dundee. “It is always good to work on projects with Dave, Karen and the team and to see a local company based in Carnoustie go from strength to strength. The Company has a great reputation for building quality homes in Tayside at affordable prices and will hopefully continue to do so for many years to come”.

With a healthy land bank the Company’s future workload looks secure.

D J Laing’s latest development at Malt Loan – the former Paul’s Malt site – is currently proving popular in Victoria Street, Carnoustie. A planning application has been submitted for the next phase providing thirty seven 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes which is due to commence in early 2017.

A planning application has also been submitted for a new private housing development at Aberlady Crescent, Dundee comprising of 96 units. This development is due to start in January 2017 and will offer popular 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes from £150,000 – £225,000 for entry from the summer of 2017.

D J Laing’s vision for Carnoustie may soon be realised if planning permission is approved for the 24 acre business park and 274 homes at Upper Victoria/Pitskelly. This development will provide much needed business industrial units on the edge of town close to existing infrastructure. It will also allow the regeneration of the Maltings and Panmure Industrial Estate site to relocate to a new modern purpose built business park and reduce HGV traffic in a residential area. But most of all, these proposed developments will continue the business for future generations and safeguard local employment.

Local company, D J Laing Homes has been building quality new homes in Dundee and Angus since November 1986. As the business celebrates its 30th anniversary with their team and associates who have contributed to their success, it has been a poignant time to reflect on their achievements to date.