A Fife-based residential care provider for young people has increased its provision with a seven-figure investment.
Dunfermline-headquartered Pebbles has secured and refurbished three new properties at a cost more than £1 million.
The units, Glen Cottage in Glasgow and Kippsbyre Cottage in Airdrie, will open shortly, while South Lodge in Glenrothes will follow later this month.
The three properties are in rural settings and have been fully refurbished, including landscaped gardens.
The acquisitions take the number of homes owned in Scotland by Pebbles to 18, providing capacity to support up to 47 people.
The firm, which employs around 500 staff across the business and has a turnover of £19m, said it is an “important move” and comes in response to growing demand in Scotland for its mix of family-led care, education and therapeutic parenting.,
The organisation offers short, medium and long-term residential placements to young people who have experienced family breakdown, emotional or behavioural difficulties, or significant interruptions in their lives.
Chief executive Michael Walsh said: “When we take on a new property we do so with one aim in mind – to create a loving home that gives vulnerable young people the feeling of being safe and a place where they can overcome some of the issues they face.
“The three new homes in Scotland are all in ideal locations and have been transformed to give us the ability to offer dual and solo home provision, with the ability for our staff to sleep over if required.
“As part of the care journey, children will also be supported at our learning and skills centre in Dunfermline, which supports them to overcome their barriers to learning through individualised learning packages that will give them independent living skills, qualifications and future career opportunities.”
In addition to the 18 homes in Scotland, Pebbles has 10 units in Cumbria, Lancashire and the north-east, six homes in St Helens and 10 in Yorkshire.
The organisation has two schools in Scotland, one in Ayrshire and another Dunfermline, with plans to increase its portfolio by opening more homes, new sports facilities and training centres.
Mr Walsh said Pebbles, which works with local authorities to tailored provision, is unique in its delivery of offering care in family-led homes and maximising the benefits of real schools.
Established in 2003 by company director Luiz Guilherme, the organisation has grown into a national service with 46 residencies and two schools for young people aged between eight and 18.
Since then, Pebbles has made a number of acquisitions, including Prospect Care Homes, Crossway Children Services and Forth Craig.
In November, Pebbles was acquired by international firm Ardenton Capital Corporation, which has offices across Canada, the USA and the UK.
The move marked the sixth investment in the UK by Ardenton and was hailed at the time by Pebbles founder Mr Guilherme, who said Ardenton’s long-term investment model would ensure the firm’s continued growth.
Ardenton specialises in acquiring controlling stakes in already profitable businesses.
