Cruden Homes has championed female education in STEM subjects after hosting a dedicated Girls in STEM event at Lasswade High School in Bonnyrigg.
Led by Cruden’s Community Benefit Manager, Michael Palethorpe, and Sophie Sutherland, Quantity Surveyor, the interactive session introduced S3 pupils to practical measurement and surveying skills, providing valuable hands-on experience at a key point as they begin to make subject choices. The event aimed to encourage young women to explore STEM pathways, challenge long-standing stereotypes, and highlight the breadth of exciting career opportunities across science, technology, engineering and maths.
Michael Palethorpe, Community Benefit Manager at Cruden, said:
“We were really pleased to be part of this event. Seeing the girls get hands-on with STEM and really enjoy themselves was fantastic. It’s so important they feel confident exploring these subjects.
“All too often, young women don’t see themselves in construction or STEM careers, and we want to change that. The earlier we can get them excited and feeling included, the more opportunities they’ll know are out there.”
Seven pupils took part in the workshop, which received extremely positive feedback from the school.
A representative from Lasswade High School said: “The girls had a great time and truly engaged with the topic. Michael presented the subject in an understandable and interesting way. Initially, the girls were sceptical of their own capabilities, but by the end of the session, they were genuinely surprised by what they achieved. It was fantastic to see this experience spark their enthusiasm.”
This activity forms part of Cruden’s wider community benefits programme linked to the delivery of 75 new social homes at the Newbyres site in Gorebridge. The £17.5 million development for Midlothian Council will provide 75 new homes, including flats, cottage flats and houses, with dedicated provision for ten extra-care units, two bariatric units and a four-bedroom, six-person wheelchair-accessible house.
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