RABBIE BURNS INSPIRES ASHWOOD SCOTLAND
                                                                                        TO CREATE A CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FOR WEST LOTHIAN
West Lothian’s leading construction and development company, Ashwood Scotland Ltd is to form a charitable foundation for some of West Lothian’s most deserving causes following more than a decade of fundraising through its celebrated annual Charity Burns Suppers.
The announcement follows another hugely successful Burns Supper this year for Ashwood, held at the Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn, on Thursday 18 January. Over 180 guests turned up to celebrate the immortal memory of Scotland’s Bard and raise more than £3,600 for this year’s nominated charity, River Kids.
Councillor Willie Dunn was on hand to collect the total, after speeches by special guests including Len Murray QC (ret’d) and Stewart Smith, former BBC comedy writer, who gave the “toast to the lassies” before events livened up thanks to folk band PiggeryBrae.

Speaking about Ashwood’s continuing commitment to local causes, Managing Director Archie Meikle said: “I’ve been in business 24 years, and this industry has been good to me. I have made a lot of good friends in the job that I do. But I’m always conscious of less fortunate people, and I believe that if you can give something back in return, you should. I grew up in West Lothian and, during that time it was a harsh economic environment. It can only be good economically as well as socially if we can give something back.” 

Although the annual Burns Suppers will continue, having raised over £33,000 since they began in 1995, the Directors at Ashwood have also agreed to create a Charitable Trust to expand their support for West Lothian’s most deserving causes. The Ashwood Scotland Foundation will generate a yearly lump sum which will be divided among elected charities.
Praising Ashwood’s announcement, Kirsty Hughes, whose son George suffers from Leukaemia and has benefited from Ashwood’s charitable activities, said: “I can’t speak highly enough for Archie and the contribution he has made to both the charity sector locally, and what he has done to help my own family during difficult times.“Family and friends are a great support at times like these, but the unexpected surprise is very special when that support comes from someone you don’t know.“I think Archie is one of those people who go out of their way to make a difference.” 
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Based in Whitburn, West Lothian, Ashwood Scotland Ltd undertakes a mixture of construction-related activities, including commercial refurbishment, industrial, new-build, housing and development. In operation since September 1999, the company has built up an enviable reputation for quality and performance, with projects ranging from around £50,000 to £2.5m. The company’s philosophy is one of working in partnership with design teams and clients alike, ensuring that quality and value for money is achieved in all aspects of the construction process.

MORE INFORMATION FROM: Archie Meikle, Managing Director, Ashwood Scotland Ltd. Tel: 01501 744988.