Cash boost for riding school providing therapy for disabled

GENEROUS staff at ­Edinburgh-based housebuilder CALA raised more than £1700 for a charity that ­provides therapy for disabled ­individuals through riding.

Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled, based in Balerno, on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, was handed the money following a golf day organised by CALA Homes staff – held at Baberton Golf Club, with 80 golfers of all abilities taking part.

The charity, which has had a close relationship with the developer for many years, is looking to raise ­money for a much-needed indoor arena, to provide consistent year-round opportunities for its riders.

Barbara Johnstone MBE, one of the volunteers at RRDA, said: “We thank the team at CALA for choosing our charity as the benefiting cause at the recent staff golf event. We’re working towards our aim of building an ambitious purpose-built indoor arena – a crucial next step in our charity’s development that will allow regular riding, irrespective of the weather and an improved and reliable experience for our riders.

Ravelrig RDA is run solely by volunteers and we are dependent on these types of donations to ensure we can keep providing our life-improving services.”

The day was attended mainly by CALA construction workers – many currently based at the nearby ­Kinleith Mill site or who are set to work across two new Balerno developments at Newmills and Ravelrig Road, with work at both now underway.

Brian Johnson, construction director at CALA Homes, said: “At CALA, we are committed to supporting local communities and good causes in the areas in which we build our new homes.

“The Ravelrig RDA does some incredible work improving the lives of people with all manner of ­conditions and is run by a generous and committed team. When opting for our chosen charity for the day, the RRDA was the clear favourite and we are delighted to have raised £1700 for them.”

Ravelrig RDA is run by volunteers and is dependent upon its own fundraising efforts and donations from riders, parents and from the local community. The annual running costs now amount to more than £90,000 – around £900 per rider.