Television presenter Lorraine Kelly is calling on the people and businesses of Dundee to support the refurbishment of a vital service for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs.
Scottish charity The Yard, which has been delivering life-changing support since 1986, currently helps over 3,000 children and their families across centres in Dundee, Kirkcaldy, and Edinburgh. Known for its creative, inclusive play spaces and wraparound family support, The Yard is now transforming its Dundee site into a fully accessible, year-round hub for the community.
With planning permission secured and the fundraising campaign now at its halfway point, work is well underway to redevelop the Drumlanrig Place centre into a space that can support hundreds more families, welcoming children and young people from birth up to age 25. The £1.5 million project will allow The Yard to gain Care Inspectorate registration, unlocking the potential to offer holiday and respite care, early years and after-school services, and expanded family support, all under one roof.
To bring this vision to life by August 2025, The Yard launched its Dig Deep for The Yard Dundee campaign. Bolstered by a grant of £165,000 from the Edward Gostling Foundation, the charity has now raised half of the final £300,000 needed to complete the project.
Lorraine said, “When I heard about the fundraiser for The Yard in Dundee, it struck me as one of these campaigns you just have to get behind. They do such amazing work in their community, supporting children, young people and families who might be struggling for a place to belong and to be included. That should be a given but, unfortunately, for some families it’s a real struggle.
“They’re also doing such amazing work in schools, supporting teachers with young people who perhaps need some time out of the class to simply play in a different way, and in an environment that’s just more suited to them. The refurbished centre will allow The Yard to do so much more, and reach more people. So please, whether you’ve got a pound to spare or you’re a local business looking to give back to its community, consider making a donation so The Yard can make an even greater impact in Dundee!”
Works will include the replacement of the roof and the creation of a Changing Places room, sensory room, larger play spaces, office and meeting spaces and a large kitchen and dining space. The garden and external play spaces will also be upgraded.
With £1.2 million already pledged by generous supporters – including the Scottish Government, The Robertson Trust, The Gannochy Trust, and The Northwood Charitable Trust – The Yard is now calling on the public to help close the final gap.
Through the Dig Deep for The Yard Dundee campaign, individuals are encouraged to donate whatever they can, while businesses can show their support by buying a brick for £250 or sponsoring key parts of the centre, such as rooms or accessible play equipment for the garden. To donate, visit www.theyardscotland.org.uk/dundee-appeal
The renovation team is led by Paul Stephen, Partner at James F Stephen Architects and Douglas Smith, Partner at Hardies Property & Construction Consultants. The lead contractor is Andrew Shepherd Construction.
For more information, visit www.theyardscotland.org.uk/dundee-appeal, email info@theyardscotland.org.uk or telephone 0131 476 4506.
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