Hebridean Housing Partnership chief executive Angus Lamont is to retire in May 2016.

Mr Lamont announced his plans during HHP’s board meeting in November.

Chairman George Lonie said: “It is with mixed feelings that I announce the retirement of Angus Lamont our chief executive. Professionally Angus will be a huge loss to the housing service in Scotland which he has served for over 34 years. He joined the Comhairle as Allocations officer and became the main contact with the Cearns Tenants Association and subsequently was involved with the other tenants groups, e.g. Manor and Newton. He played a major part in developing the excellent Tenant Participation we have on the islands.

“Angus went on to become Director of Housing and steered us through a difficult transition to form HHP. He has managed the dedicated and talented team at HHP to the success they have achieved to date in investing over £30 million in existing homes and building nearly 350 new homes for the families in the islands.

“On a personal level I’ve known Angus for most of his 30 years in the Western Isles and it is hard to imagine HHP without him at the helm. Angus’ commitment and dedication to provide a decent standard of homes in the Western Isles is a tribute to the person he is. He is sincere in his aims relating to affordable housing in the islands and is honest and pleasant in the way he deals with staff and tenants. He will be missed by staff at HHP and missed by colleagues who have had any contact with Angus.

“I have enjoyed immensely working with Angus over the years as a colleague and a friend; it has been an absolute honour and a pleasure and on behalf of the HHP Board I wish him a long and happy retirement.”

Angus Lamont added: “It’s been a real privilege to have worked in the housing service both at the Comhairle and HHP for so many years.”

@HebHousing