Scottish Rural and Islands Housing Conference to discuss challenges of rural development
on 31 October and 1 November at the Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries.
This year’s Scottish Rural and Islands Housing Conference takes place on 31 October and 1 November at the Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries. The conference covers a range of topical issues concerning rural housing and communities in Scotland. As ever, the conference aims to update and inform delegates of the changes and initiatives that are taking place and to provide an opportunity for frank and open debate.
Bryan Leask, Chief Executive of Hjatland Housing Associations, said: “One of the main challenges we face when developing new homes in rural areas is the opposition of some communities.
“We know what we do brings value to the areas we work in and this conference is a way for us to look at what these benefits really are and how we can articulate that to the communities we are working with.
“The conference has a fantastic programme, with a mix of really strong speakers, and I am really looking forward to the opportunity of meeting colleagues with an interest in rural housing.”
Conference speakers include Andy Dean from Community Action Northumberland discussing how to engage communities, Jeremy Sainsbury OBE from Natural Power on making rural communities sustainable, and Tony Cain from ALACHO on the case for rural investment.
The pre-conference RIHAF meeting will take place on Wednesday 30 October, and instead of a study tour, Loreburn Housing Association will host a discussion event on its work on housing, fuel poverty and an ageing population. In the evening, Loreburn Housing Association would like to invite delegates to a Border Hogg Roast at Easterbrook Hall.
Dougie Mackie, Chair of West Highland Housing Association and SFHA Board Member said: “This year’s conference provides an excellent opportunity for board members and employees from rural and island housing associations to meet in a warm and friendly environment to discuss and exchange views on a wide variety of matters under the overarching theme of 'engaging rural communities'.
“As well as the formal sessions looking at the shared challenges of rural housing, fuel poverty and an ageing population, there is the opportunity to meet old and make new acquaintances at our host’s Border Hogg Roast.
“I look forward to welcoming both our regular attenders and first-time delegates and what will be an informative and enjoyable conference.”
This year’s conference takes place on the 31 October and 1 November with the pre-conference showcase taking place on the 30 October. The conference will be held over two venues with the meeting and dinner at Easterbrook Hall and accommodation at the Holiday Inn Dumfries which is adjacent to the conference venue.
Residential bookings are from £425 for RIHAF members or £495 for non-members.
For more information or to book your place, please click here.