Annie Macfarlane has been elected to the position of chairperson of Govanhill Housing Association following the retirement of John McLardie who stood down at the Annual General Meeting this month.

Annie was co-opted on to the management committee in 2012, and took on the position of vice chair in 2013.

She has lived in the South West area of Govanhill for over 25 years, and is a passionate advocate of community controlled housing, and the Govanhill and Merrylee communities.

As a local resident, Annie has been a champion of the South-West Govanhill property acquisition and repair programme during her time as vice chair.

The aim of the South West Govanhill programme is to buy, repair, let and then manage flats in tenement blocks that include some of Govanhill’s poorest quality housing. To date the Association has improved over 111 of Govanhill’s worst properties, many of which are now becoming available to let.

Annie works for a large national charity, and is also a member of the Govanhill Community Development Trust committee, which supports wider regeneration work in the community.

Commenting on her new role, Annie said: “I am delighted to be elected to this position at Govanhill Housing Association which does such vital work in the Govanhill and Merrylee communities. I hope to carry on the sterling work of my predecessor John McLardie who has made a real difference to the Association over the last five years.”

John McLardie added: “It has been an honour for me to serve as chair of the Association for, alongside Annie as vice chair. I am pleased to be continuing to serve the Association as vice chair and wish Annie all the best in her new role.”