Electric vehicle chargers added at popular East Lothian walled garden in ‘milestone’ move
“It is a major addition to the business and allows us to move beyond installation into the long-term operation and optimisation of EV charging assets” – Robert Wilson, Gensource
An electric vehicle charging station has been installed at a popular walled garden attraction in East Lothian, marking a “significant milestone” for an expanding sustainable energy specialist.
The new chargers at the Archerfield Estate, close to Gullane, will be the first fully managed commercial EV project that Musselburgh-based Gensource has overseen.
The firm delivered the infrastructure and will also operate the charging network on an ongoing basis at Archerfield Walled Garden, which features a café, homeware and lifestyle store, food market, outdoor event space and extensive grounds.
Intended for public use, there are four charging bays served by twin dual output chargers which have been designed specifically around the existing electrical infrastructure and visitor profile to the gardens. It is the first time Archerfield Walled Garden has been able to offer vehicle charging to visitors as part of the site’s facilities.
Gensource operations director Robert Wilson said: “We have delivered many commercial EV installations but this one is such a significant milestone for us as it’s the first commercial EV charging project developed, designed, delivered and then fully managed by us as part of our expansion as a charge point operator.
“It is a major addition to the business and allows us to move beyond installation into the long-term operation and optimisation of EV charging assets.
“Our key differentiator against other charge point operators is that we develop, deliver and operate chargers not just to have a ‘charging network’ but to be an energy partner to develop, design and deliver EV charging as part of a whole-site energy strategy.”
Gensource secured funding for the project on behalf of Archerfield Walled Garden through the Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund, administered by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of Scottish Ministers and Transport Scotland. Invest East Lothian played a supportive facilitation role, helping bring together stakeholders and promoting the project as a positive example of sustainable infrastructure investment within the region.
The project strengthens Gensource’s partnership with Archerfield Walled Garden with the firm having delivered a major solar installation last year. The on-site solar will directly contribute to the electricity demand of the chargers.
Gensource managing director Josh King said: “This is a strategic growth area for the company and one we will continue to build on as demand for EV charging accelerates across destination, workplace and commercial sites.
“This project highlights how EV charging can be successfully integrated into destination sites, delivering environmental benefits while enhancing visitor experience and supporting long-term commercial sustainability. The Archerfield Walled Garden project strengthens our position to offer full turnkey sustainable energy solutions across a broad technology range to support business transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.”
Gavin Hoskins, operations manager at Archerfield Walled Garden, added: “Gensource has been a trusted partner for us, and this latest project builds on the strong relationship established through earlier work. The EV charging installation supports our sustainability ambitions while enhancing what we can offer to visitors.
“Their approach has been collaborative, professional and focused on delivering a solution that works for our site now and into the future.”
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