Johnstone High School applied to Mactaggart & Mickel’s Building Communities Fund with an unusual request – the Parent Council had been raising funds to improve the school’s outdoor space and hoped the family-owned housebuilder could offer their expertise and services to pave and paint it as an “in kind” donation in lieu of a monetary contribution. The works were needed in preparation for the installation of the outdoor equipment.

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes’ Contracts Manager George Dow, along with Assistant Site Manager Ryan Coughtrie and his team at Mactaggart & Mickel’s nearby Midton Fields development, were only too happy to help and, along with subcontractor JWS, completed monoblockingand painting works over the October week holiday in readiness for the installation of outdoor furniture, planters and landscaping.  In November, George and Ryan returned to the school to inspect the completed work and meet head teacher Mrs Hollywood, Diane Spence, Chair of JHS Parent Council, teacher Mick Fulton and pupils from the school.

Johnstone High School serves Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and also Howwood, where the Midton Fields development is now well-established with more than 60% of homes sold.

The school’s Parent Council and the management team have been making great strides to improve all aspects of their school and enhance its reputation, giving its young people a sense of pride in where they learn.

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes have a long history of supporting good causes. The Building Communities Fund was established to enhance the company’s ongoing efforts to help organisations and projects which enhance the lives of people within their local communities.  

The fund is open throughout the year to applications from charities, community groups, sports teams and schools whose work is instrumental in communities near to any Mactaggart & Mickel Homes development under construction, including Midton Fields in Howwood.

Applications for funding are assessed and awarded by a cross section of Mactaggart & Mickel employees.

George Dow, Contracts Manager for Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to deliver such a simple yet effective contribution to the school which will make an improvement to young people's lives in the community around Midton Fields. We’re very glad that the school and Parent Council are happy with the works and we look forward to seeing the outdoor classroom’s next stages.

Diane Spence, Chair of JHS Parent Council, said: ”My colleagues and I have been absolutely delighted to receive support from Mactaggart & Mickel for our outdoor development project. Their hard work and enthusiasm has been really appreciated and will make a great difference to our long-term project for a well-equipped outdoor learning and socializing space that will benefit all our pupils and help to foster pride in their school.