CCG, ESES Communities and ACE IT
Construction group CCG approached the ESES Communities Team regarding the community investment associated with their Cowans Close Housing development.
This is a new development in Newington, Edinburgh city centre, providing 19 wheelchair-accessible homes for social rent, and CCG are working on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council. You can learn more here.
CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “We are delighted to have commenced construction at Cowan’s Close. The project is another great example of how the City of Edinburgh Council and CCG are working collaboratively to address the demand for new, affordable homes in the city, and it will be a much welcome addition to the Newington community upon completion next year."
During the course of the development’s construction programme, CCG will also deliver a range of community benefit initiatives, encompassing the creation of 5 new jobs, 6 work placements, 4 career-based events with local schools, and £7,000 in investment.
CCG
CCG are well versed in engaging with and supporting local community initiatives and groups throughout their projects across Scotland. They were keen to ensure that this project delivered a hyper-local benefit to the residents close to their new development at Cowan's Close.
At ESES Communities we aim to ‘match’ suppliers and beneficiaries, enabling companies to invest in a mission that aligns with their values. This ensures that community investment in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region has a direct impact on the lives of its citizens.
We worked with the team at CCG to identify a list of suitable initiatives based close to the site, that aligned with their core values and company aims.
CCG were impressed with the work of ACE IT, who have their main office situated on Nicholson Square in Edinburgh, and are just a 6-minute walk from the new Cowans Close development.
ACE IT
ACE IT is an Edinburgh charity which has been helping older people to learn digital skills and get online with confidence since 2005.
They exist to advance the knowledge and connectivity of older people in Edinburgh through digital coaching and empowerment, aiming to improve their well-being, independence, and active involvement as citizens.
Devices can be complicated, and navigating websites and apps can be daunting. Research shows that improving digital literacy substantially improves wellbeing, reduces isolation and loneliness, plus improves a person’s financial health.
They support anyone over the age of 50 to use digital devices, through one-to-one coaching at locations across Edinburgh. ACE IT also deliver weekly activity sessions for residents of care homes through the ‘Moose in the Hoose’ service.
All their services are free.
CCG wanted to support the work of ACE IT and generously donated £2000 to help towards the continution of their sessions, which can be transformative the individuals they upskill.
This donation will have a lastling impact on the individuals that ACE IT support and they shared with us;
"This donation will impact about 50 people. It will support the purchase of essential equipment and software and contribute towards staff and volunteer delivery costs.
This helps ensure our sessions remain free and accessible to those who need them most, empowering individuals with the confidence and digital skills to improve their opportunities and independence.”
Katie Innes, Development Coordinator, ACE IT
Thanks to this generous award from CCG Scotland, we can ensure ACE IT services continue to meet an increasing demand for digital inclusion support across Edinburgh in 2026. 2025 was our busiest year to date, with over 4,000 sessions delivered. We provide digital wellbeing support each week across 12 locations in Edinburgh, including libraries, care homes, community hubs, and our Nicolson Square office.