Tower family's dream home

Now, as the Shearer family becomes the first to move into a new multi-million-pound housing development in Oxgangs, they have everything they wished for.

More than 240 new homes are being built to replace the old high-rise flats that were demolished after dominating the area's skyline for more than 40 years.

Residents were desperate to leave their 1960s tower block flats - which were crumbling and riddled with damp - to move into modern 21st century homes designed to regenerate the area.

Capelaw Court, the first of three Oxgangs high-rise flats to be demolished, was pulled down in April 2005, while the last two landmarks - Allermuir Court and Caerketton Court - were razed just three months ago.

The tenants who lived in the ageing buildings were relocated to areas around the city, while the new development was built on the site of the former tower blocks.

The building work, which began in 2005, is being carried out in three phases and is expected to be fully completed by 2010.

With the first phase of the new-look Oxgangs nearing completion, many of the old high-rise tenants are moving back to the area and are keen to re-establish the community spirit they once had.

John Shearer, 47, lived with his wife Katherine in Allermuir Court for 21 years and the couple raised their two children, Beth and Craig, there.

Like most, he was glad to see the back of the decrepit tower blocks, but sad to say goodbye to friends and neighbours within the close-knit community.

Now the family has moved back to the site of their former home, but this time are living in a spacious three-bedroom house, complete with bathroom and separate downstairs toilet, utility room, front and back gardens and parking.

Mr Shearer, a steel fabricator, said: "It brought a tear to my eye when they were demolished, it was quite emotional because we had lived there for so long.

"But it's so much nicer here. I'm 47 and this is the first time I have ever had a front and back garden. We were moved up to Oxgangs Park for two years while the new houses were being built, but there was no community up there.

"We could have stayed up there if we wanted to, but we had our hearts set on moving back here."

Mrs Shearer, 48, said: "It's like coming back home. I really missed the community spirit of the flats.

"It's lovely because all my old neighbours I have known for years are going to be my neighbours again."

The new development, at Firrhill Park, is run in a partnership between Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, the city council and Communities Scotland, which has contributed more than 5.7 million to fund the 9m cost of the first phase.

Communities Minister Rhona Brankin, who visited the Shearer's home as part of a tour of the new development, said: "This is a great example of what regeneration should be about.

"For me, it's about people and quality of life."

Ewan Fraser, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association's chief executive, said: "The new development offers a range of houses and flats of different sizes, catering for everyone from regular families to elderly and disabled people. It's a far cry from the old tower blocks."

Sixty new flats and 31 houses are being created in the initial stage. Work is expected to start on phase two - 85 homes, shops, six community workspaces and a nursery - this spring. Phase three, which will provide a further 67 new homes, will start in 2009 and should be ready by 2010.