ROBERTSON Homes, the Bo'ness-based firm of private housebuilders, has

taken over Oliver Homes, one of Scotland's top designers and

manufacturers of timber-frame houses.

From its headquarters in Hawick, Oliver has built up its reputation on

both sides of the Border for houses at the luxury end of the market,

often made to private specifications.

Robertson, less well known outside the central belt, is a 30-year-old

family firm which has increasingly moved into the timber-frame business.

Its houses are generally in the #100,000-#130,000 price range, roughly

half that of Oliver.

Production will be combined in the existing Bo'ness factory, while

designs from both companies will be offered under the name of Oliver

Homes. Customers of the expanded group will benefit from Robertson's

range of building packages.

''Acquiring an extensive range of proven house designs, as well as an

existing customer base and network of agents, will allow us to forge

ahead with our already successful timber frame activities,'' managing

director Ian Robertson said yesterday.