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Retirement Accommodation in Edinburgh
Colinton Cottage Homes, established in 1889, is a registered Scottish charity dedicated to addressing the housing needs of older people. Our mission focuses on providing retirement accommodation and annual grant payments to individuals aged 65 and over, with consideration for those under 65 facing exceptional housing challenges. Situated in Colinton, Edinburgh, our 41 cottages offer secure, independent living within beautifully maintained gardens. We prioritise applicants experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, or social isolation, ensuring our services align with our charitable objectives. Our team combines decades of housing sector expertise with a commitment to maintaining high standards of care and support.

Through our partnership with Hanover Telecare Alarm Service, we provide 24/7 emergency assistance to tenants. Our governance structure includes a board of directors with diverse professional backgrounds, overseeing operations while our on-site manager ensures day-to-day needs are met. We maintain transparency in our allocation process and continually assess properties to meet the evolving needs of our residents. Our Guest Room facility offers temporary accommodation for visitors, enhancing social connections for tenants. With over 130 years of service, we remain dedicated to our founding principles while adapting to contemporary housing challenges.
Services
Retirement Accommodation Guest Room Accommodation Application Process Property Upgrades Emergency Support
Highlights and features
  • We have over 130 years of experience supporting Scotland's elderly population
  • Our cottages combine independent living with 24/7 emergency assistance
  • We prioritise applicants facing housing need through transparent criteria
  • Our board includes property and legal experts with local community knowledge
  • We maintain properties to high standards while controlling tenant costs
Associations and certifications
  • Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR)
Services
Retirement Accommodation
Our 41 cottages in Edinburgh provide independent living solutions for older people. Properties feature private entrances, security systems, and 24/7 emergency alarm connections. We prioritise applicants facing housing need through transparent criteria, offering both single and double occupancy options within beautifully maintained grounds.
Guest Room Accommodation
We provide temporary accommodation for visitors with twin beds, kitchen facilities, and en-suite showers. This service enables residents to host family or friends while maintaining their independent living arrangements. The guest room operates at reasonable rates to ensure accessibility for all tenants.
People
Shirley Craik
Manager
With over 30 years' experience in older people's housing, Shirley manages daily operations. She balances work with personal interests in fitness and family time.
Denise Wood
Assistant Manager
Denise provides cover and support services while managing housing needs. She enjoys family time with grandchildren and fitness activities.
Clive Cowan
Handyman
Clive handles maintenance with 40 years' engineering experience. His technical expertise ensures prompt property repairs and upkeep.
David Miller
Chairman
David leads the board with financial expertise, having joined in 2023. He combines governance with interests in golf and culinary arts.
Paul Davies
Director
A legal expert specialising in property and sports law, Paul brings commercial dispute resolution experience to our governance team.
Questions
What type of accommodation do you provide?
We offer 41 cottages in Edinburgh for independent living, with 31 single and 10 double occupancy options, all featuring private entrances and 24/7 emergency support.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be aged 65+ (or under 65 with exceptional housing need), reside in Scotland, and demonstrate capability for independent living with priority given to those facing hardship.
How are properties allocated?
Applications are assessed based on housing need, with priority to those experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, or social isolation. Completed applications undergo home visits and waiting list placement.
Do you offer temporary accommodation?
Yes, we provide a guest room with twin beds, kitchen facilities, and en-suite shower for visiting family or friends at reasonable rates.
What support services are available?
Our properties connect to Hanover Telecare Alarm Service for 24/7 emergency assistance, with on-site staff responding until emergency services arrive.
Can properties be adapted for changing needs?
While we don't alter properties for individual needs, we may consider ground floor transfers supported by medical evidence, and tenants can request upgrades at their own cost with board approval.
Reviews (1)
Edna McLeod
Jul 27, 2017 Report
Enables us to live in a very comfortable situation, under the care of kind management and staff, surrounded by friendly people in a complex with simply wonderful lawns & gardens.