A new space designed to strengthen relationships between brothers and sisters in care has officially opened its doors in Angus.
Coorie House, set within the woodland grounds of Rossie Young People’s Trust near Montrose, provides a safe, welcoming and child-centred environment where siblings separated by the care system can come together, spend time and build lasting connections.
The purpose-built lodge and outdoor play area were opened by former residents Roisa McCusker and Caitlin Greaves, who both lived at Rossie as teenagers. To mark the occasion, Caitlin and Roisa helped children cut a specially commissioned Coorie House-shaped cake and decorate biscuits.
Roisa said, “Being from England, my family and friends were far away, so the limited time I had to speak with and be with them was incredibly important. When I did have family time, it was a shame that it was in a room that didn’t allow for activities or elements of normal family life. That’s why I fully support the introduction of Coorie House, not just for young people at Rossie but all over Scotland. Children and young people are often moved far away from their roots, split up from siblings and this has a massive impact on overall wellbeing and identity. It’s so encouraging to see young people now having the space, privacy, and comfort to truly enjoy and make the most of their time with loved ones. Rossie is set in beautiful surroundings, and being able to experience that together, privately and without interruption, through Coorie House is just amazing.”
Coorie House is now welcoming children and young people from across Scotland, who cannot live with their brothers and siblings. Initial enquiries can be made by anyone involved in the young person’s life, including family members, social workers, other professionals, and young people themselves.
The new space builds on the sector-leading work of Rossie Young People’s Trust, a charity with more than 160 years’ experience supporting young people with complex needs. The organisation is one of the largest employers in the Montrose area and works closely with the local community to provide bespoke education, specialist support and care.
Michael Scanlin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Rossie Young People’s Trust, said,
“Today marks a hugely important milestone, not just for Rossie, but for children and young people across Scotland. We know how vital sibling relationships are, yet too often they are disrupted by the care system.
“Brothers and sisters who are unable to live together should not be disadvantaged in the time they are able to share together. Providing a high-quality environment, supported by caring, knowledgeable and trauma-informed adults, enables children and young people to build positive memories and strengthen the relationships that are likely to remain the most enduring in their lives. Coorie House offers something different — a space that feels like it belongs to the young people themselves, where they can relax, have fun and simply be together. It’s about dignity, comfort and connection, and we are incredibly proud to see this vision become a reality.”
Named after the Scottish word meaning to nestle or find comfort, Coorie House has been purpose-built by Arbroath-based construction firm Brian Doig Contractors as a bright, open and playful setting, with indoor and outdoor spaces designed to support meaningful, relaxed interactions between siblings. The project is supported by a growing team of 16 trained volunteers, who will work directly with sibling groups through play and shared activities tailored to their interests and familial needs, from baking, arts and crafts and music to outdoor adventure play. The project has been funded by a £250,000 grant from Corra Foundation through The Promise Partnership, alongside additional investment from Rossie Young People’s Trust.
A spokesperson for Corra Foundation said, “We know how important these sibling relationships are. For many children and young people, their brothers and sisters are some of the most important people in their lives. What came through so strongly from our Decision Makers Panel was the lack of spaces where children feel comfortable, safe and able to just be themselves. Coorie House responds directly to that. It’s about creating somewhere that feels warm, welcoming and full of possibility, where children can spend time together with their family in a way that feels right for them.”
Cara Jamieson, Project Coordinator, Coorie House, added, “Seeing Coorie House open and ready to welcome young people is incredibly special. Every detail has been designed with them in mind. Our volunteers will play a vital role in bringing this space to life — supporting siblings to reconnect, have fun and create positive memories together. We’re excited to begin this journey with them and look forward to Coorie House becoming a place where brothers and sisters can simply ‘be’ together as a family.”
Coorie House has also been endorsed by Dundee-born actor Brian Cox who said, “I’m delighted to see the launch of Coorie House. As a young boy growing up in Dundee and brought up by my older sisters, I understand that the bond between brothers and sisters is incredibly important, and for children and young people who’ve been separated by the care system, to spend time together can mean everything. Coorie House will give siblings a safe, welcoming and dignified space to spend time together, make happy memories and strengthen the relationships that matter most. It’s a very special project, and one I’m proud to support.”
Coorie House is now open and accepting referrals. For more information, and to arrange a visit, email Cara Jamieson, Project Coordinator on cara.jamieson@rossie.org.uk or visit https://www.rossie.org.uk/coorie-house-project/
