First nest houses land at Scotland’s newest homelessness village, Harriet Gardens

The first nest houses have landed at Scotland’s newest homelessness village in South Lanarkshire.

Harriet Gardens, in Rutherglen, is a purpose-built supported accommodation village by Social Bite, in partnership with the local council and Salvation Army.

The arrival of the modular Nest Houses marks the next stage of construction as the project progresses towards an opening date in early 2026.

First Nest Houses Land at Scotland’s Newest Homelessness Village, Harriet Gardens. Harriet Gardens. Frame Agency

Day-to-day running of the village will be supported by financial contributions from South Lanarkshire Council and Social Bite, and managed by the Salvation Army, who will deliver specialist, round-the-clock support.

Social Bite founder, Josh Littlejohn, said: “Having only broken ground in September, we’re pleased to already be moving to the next stage of creating Harriet Gardens, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council. The village will provide up to 15 people affected by homelessness with a safe and secure place to call home and break the cycle of homelessness.

“We have received amazing support from donors, each of whom have made it possible for us to create this space that will help more people develop their confidence and independence. We look forward to celebrating the opening in the new year with the new residents, our supporters and the local community.”

Chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Davie McLachlan, said: “It’s great to see the progress being made on the site as we look forward to it being ready to open in the new year.

“The project allows us to continue to expand and enhance our services to meet the diverse needs of homeless households.”

The Nest Houses were manufactured by Invergordon based Ecosystems Technologies and made the long commute from The Highlands to Rutherglen. The remaining buildings are due to arrive in December.

First Nest Houses Land at Scotland’s Newest Homelessness Village, Harriet Gardens

The first life-changing homes land at Harriet Gardens, the newest purpose-built supported accommodation village by Social Bite, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and Salvation Army.

The arrival of the modular Nest Houses marks the next stage of construction as the project progresses towards an opening date in early 2026.

Upon completion, the £3m village will have 15 modular Nest Houses and a community hub with shared cooking facilities, spaces for group activities, therapeutic support, and areas for social connection. Day-to-day running of the village will be supported by financial contributions from South Lanarkshire Council and Social Bite and managed by the Salvation Army, who will deliver specialist, round-the-clock support.

“The project allows us to continue to expand and enhance our services to meet the diverse needs of homeless households.”

The Nest Houses were manufactured by Invergordon based Ecosystems Technologies and made the long commute from The Highlands to Rutherglen. The remaining buildings are due to arrive in December.