Set up as a registered social landlord in 1986, the Association’s initial aim was to improve the tenemental properties in the centre of Barrhead and we soon thereafter started a programme of building new properties for rent. Now the majority of our housing stock is new build. In 2001, we successfully transferred 245 homes from Scottish Homes and quickly completed the key improvements required, which included the demolition of properties in Auchenback – these have been replaced with new terraced houses and flats. In 2004 we became a registered Scottish charity. We are now a key locally controlled housing association owning over 940 properties through East Renfrewshire, although mainlly in Barrhead, Neilston, Newton Mearns and Thornliebank. The Association provides accommodation for general housing and also specialised housing including sheltered housing, wheelchair housing and housing for the elderly. We have 1 shared ownership property, a part-purchase/part-rental scheme. We participate in the Scottish Government’s ‘Mortgage to Rent’ scheme to help out owners faced with serious financial difficulties and are involved in a ‘Rent off the Shelf’ programme.
