A housing development near Edinburgh has been named "one of Scotland's most dog-friendly neighbourhoods" by its developers. The estate, which was previously a psychiatric hospital that had been abandoned, is home to around 20 dogs across its 41 properties.
From Asylum to Housing Estate
Bangour Village is a housing estate located just outside of Livingston in West Lothian, approximately 20 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. The development is built on the site of the former Bangour Village Hospital, which first opened in 1906 as the Edinburgh District Asylum.
The psychiatric hospital was modelled on the village system of patient care and was designed by Scottish architect Hippolyte Blanc. It featured an Edwardian Baroque hall at its centre, while it was also home to facilities such as a power station, various workshops, a bakery, a kitchen, and a laundry.
The hospital was occupied by the War Office during both World War One and World War Two, and later closed its doors in 2004 after most of its patients were relocated to St John's Hospital in Livingston. In 2024, plans for a housing estate on the site were approved by West Lothian Council.
Dogs at Bangour Village
Developers Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have now revealed that almost half of the households at the Bangour Village development have moved in with a four-legged companion. A total of 19 dogs now live across the 41 homes, making it one of "Scotland's most dog-friendly new neighbourhoods" according to the developers.
Located within more than 200 acres of woodland at the Bangour Village Estate, the setting has proved a natural draw for buyers with pets. According to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, this may be due to the several walkways and dog-friendly parks on its doorstep.
Community Dog Parade
The developers invited residents at Bangour Village to the community's first dog parade last week, where pet owners contended to have their dog crowned the estate's 'Top Pup'. The winner of the prize was a pooch named Toby, who is owned by Tamar Nazarian.
Nazarian commented: "It was such a lovely afternoon, and a real treat to meet so many neighbours and their dogs. Toby had a great time too, and it was lovely to see just how many dog-loving families live nearby."
Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland Lorraine Paterson added: "We always knew Bangour Village was a special place to call home, but the number of buyers arriving with a dog has been extraordinary. Walking down the street, you can see tails wagging outside almost every door. With all that woodland and open space nearby, it's easy to see the appeal for dog owners."
Wildlife-Friendly Development
Barratt Redrow has worked with the RSPB since 2014 to ensure its developments are wildlife-friendly, with planting chosen to help bees thrive and hedgehog highways built into garden boundaries. At Bangour Village, this commitment sits alongside 215 acres of surrounding woodland that give residents and their pets a community designed for nature and people to thrive side by side.
