Forty years of Langstane Housing Association

Langstane Housing Association is celebrating its fortieth anniversary. 

The association was borne of one man’s determination to find a solution to the desperate situation vulnerable, homeless single people found themselves in during the ‘60s and ‘70s, when they were often forced onto the streets. 

The association’s first office was a former dairy on George Street, Aberdeen. It is now a purpose built office in the heart of one of the communities served, Seaton. 

The main task for the two initial members of staff was to look for properties which could be renovated or land that could be built upon. They also had to work closely with support agencies to ensure it wasn’t just bricks and mortar that was provided. With no phone, staff had to walk to a nearby callbox to make their calls. 

From the very beginning, the association was interested in providing homes and support services further afield than Aberdeen as well as buying and renovating property in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff, and Keith and in other more rural communities. 

Langstane Housing Association also provided hostels. Before 1981, the only place homeless women could go was a very unsuitable night shelter. Then along came the first of its kind in Aberdeen: a supported hostel for women only. 

Langstane’s longest serving member of staff recently celebrated 30 years’ service, and it is hoped that many more reach that milestone as they enter the social housing sector seeking new adventures. 

Through all of the challenges faced, Langstane said it is an organisation that is mindful of the impact its decisions have on tenants. Good quality customer service is at the heart of its ethos and the next 40 years is looked forward to with real optimism and energy. 

Never afraid of new challenges, the association has captured its history in film. Many thanks go to former founding members and long-standing members of staff for their invaluable contributions. In addition, the association’s, past, present and future is detailed in this months Scottish Federation of Housing Association’s ‘Spotlight’ supplement, copies of which can be picked up at 680 King Street, Aberdeen or 7 North Guildry Street, Elgin. 

As Langstane continues to grow and develop as an organisation, it hopes that future generations look back on the achievements of today and the next four decades, with an equal measure of pride.