Present and former Board members and senior staff were joined by partners, consultants, contractors, funders and charities at an event for stakeholders to mark Grampian Housing Association’s 50th anniversary. 

As well as celebrating the successes over its 50 year history, guests heard about the challenges facing Grampian and its ambitious plans for the future.

Acknowledging the former chairmen who had contributed to the success of Grampian, Jim Cargill, chair said: “There’s a feeling that we are all standing on the shoulders of some real giants.”

Tribute was also paid to Alan Moat, the Association’s first chief executive who had sadly passed away the week before.

Guests heard that from its first development of 31 homes for rent in Fraserburgh in 1976, Grampian would be marking completion of its 4000th new build property later this year in Elgin. In the same time, the staff complement has increased from three to 120.

Grampian's growth through new build, the provision of diverse tenures and stock transfers was described. Ensuring tenants are at the centre of service delivery through The Grampian Deal, offering a wide range of options for tenant engagement and the importance of tenant voice had all contributed to maintaining high levels of satisfaction. Innovations in energy efficiency had improved both the sustainability of its homes and affordability for tenants living in them.

Jim continued: “Grampian Housing Association has never stood still. We have always adapted, innovated, and led and we will continue to do so as we face the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years.”

Craig Stirrat, Chief Executive of Grampian Housing Association said: “Fifty years of service is not simply a milestone. It’s a moment to reflect on what it truly means to be a housing association in Scotland today.

“Grampian doesn’t just build homes, it creates communities. Thousands of families have found security and stability thanks to Grampian’s scale and quality of delivery of new affordable homes, innovation and commitment to tenant voice.

 “However, its impact goes far beyond housing. Grampian has been a frontline ally in Scotland’s fight against both child and fuel poverty, through its tenancy support services, energy efficient builds and retrofit measures.

 “There are real challenges ahead as we embrace the next 50 years from climate change and demographic shifts to ongoing economic pressures. However, we will continue to strive to create a future where housing is not just a service but a source of transformation and opportunity for people who live in them.”