Eildon hosts 49th AGM and says farewell to chair
Dave Alexander gave his final annual report as chair and highlighted some of Eildon’s key achievements for 2021/22.
Eildon held its 49th Annual General Meeting on 7 September in Selkirk. The meeting also marked the retirement of Scottish housing stalwart Dave Alexander, who had been Eildon’s Chair for four years and a board member for nine years.
Mr Alexander gave his final annual report as chair and highlighted some of Eildon’s key achievements for 2021/22, including the launch of the new corporate five-year strategy, the significant expansion of Eildon’s new-build programme, with 241 new homes and 397 new tenancies created. The expansion of extra-care services, with the new state of the art extra-care development Wilkie Gardens, Galashiels, and the transfer of 28 SB Cares staff at Dovecot Court, Peebles.
A total of 99 new recruits were appointed during the year. Eildon said that "great progress" has also been made with a range of other ongoing collaborative partnerships supporting communities on employability, food supply and social support for our older population.
Nile Istephan, Eildon Chief Executive thanked Mr Alexander for the "enormous contribution" he has made, not only during his time at Eildon but to the whole Scottish housing sector during a "stellar career".
He leaves behind a legacy from various roles as a housing professional, academic, policy maker, activist, and volunteer. Fond words and sentiments were forwarded from many of his colleagues who have known and worked with him since he started back in 1974.
Mr Alexander welcomed his successor, Cathie Fancy, who takes over his role as chair and Alison Ballantyne who is vice chair.
The Eildon Board for 2022/23 was confirmed as:
- Alison Ballantyne – vice chair
- Ron Beardsley
- Cathie Fancy – chair
- Brian Frater
- Paul Gilbert
- Amanda Harvie
- Catherine Louch
- Allan Lundmark
- Eibhlin McHugh
- Alan Mordue
- Ewen Swinton
- Camilla Younger