Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has appointed Ian McDonald as its new Chair following its 23rd Annual General Meeting.

Mr McDonald, a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years of strategic financial experience, succeeds Robin Hill, who has stepped down after nine years on SBHA’s Board of Management, including five as Chair. He has served on the Board since 2017 and previously convened the Audit & Compliance Sub-Committee.

Robin Hill's leadership has been marked by resilience and innovation, guiding SBHA through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, securing a £58 million loan facility from the Royal Bank of Scotland, and overseeing celebrations for the Association’s 20th anniversary.

Mr Hill told members: "As I look back over the past five years, I see an organisation that has grown stronger, more confident, and more ambitious. What I feel most proud of is the culture of SBHA – a culture of care, fairness, innovation, and pride. It has been a genuine honour to serve as Chair and to see first-hand the difference that housing makes in people's lives."

-- Advertisement --

Chief Executive Julia Mulloy paid tribute to his contribution: "Robin has led SBHA with wisdom, dedication, and a deep commitment to our tenants and communities. His leadership has seen us through times of real challenge and moments of great achievement. He leaves us with strong foundations and a clear sense of purpose, and on behalf of the Board, the SBHA Team, and our Tenants, I want to offer our sincere thanks."

Highlights from Mr Hill's tenure include the delivery of more than 100 homes through new builds and market purchases, the launch of Scotland’s first HUSK Garages to Homes project, and progress on SBHA's largest-ever development of 70 new homes in Jedburgh. Other milestones include:

• A modernised rent system shaped by tenant consultation.

• The More Sustainable Steps Strategy, which has introduced retrofitting, green space initiatives, and the world's first Kight PowerHub energy system installation in a tenant’s home.

• Expanded opportunities for tenant engagement, with satisfaction levels above sector averages for the past two years.

• Customer Service Excellence accreditation with Compliance Plus recognition.

• Enhanced tenant support services, with over 4,000 people benefiting in the past five years.

• Accreditation as a Living Wage and Living Hours employer – one of only two housing associations in Scotland to achieve both.

Incoming Chair Ian McDonald said: "I'm really excited to be stepping into the role of Chair at such a great time for SBHA. Robin’s done a fantastic job, and I’m looking forward to building on that – working closely with tenants, partners, fellow Board members, and the brilliant SBHA Team to deliver our ambitious Strategic and Business Plan for 2025–2030. Together, we’ll keep making sure people have safe, warm, and affordable homes, while helping communities grow stronger and helping people to have better futures."