ETF is a tenant-led charity that supports tenants across Edinburgh to understand their housing rights, have their voices heard, and influence decisions about housing and related services locally, city-wide, and nationally.

The Scottish Parliament celebration featured speeches from Sarah Boyack MSP, who hosted the organisation’s 25th anniversary in 2015, as well as the newly elected City of Edinburgh Council housing convenor, Councillor Tim Pogson.

MSP Gordon MacDonald also attended the celebration, along with representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council and ETF staff, past and present.

Sarah Boyack MSP said: “It’s amazing to be here to celebrate the collective voice of tenants in Edinburgh; a voice that is heard, respected and acted upon.

“Edinburgh Tenants Federation is that organisation on the ground listening to these voices, ensuring that tenants’ lives are transformed for the better.”

Attendees also heard from ETF convenor, Betty Stone who has served as chair of the organisation since 2005, having been involved as a volunteer since the Federation’s inception. Reflecting on the past, Betty noted the achievements of the organisation, thanks to the countless hours poured in by volunteers and encouraged attendees to browse the archive display of photos and newsletters dating back to 1985.

Founded in 1990 from a merger of tenant networks to collaborate over similar housing issues, ETF has been at the forefront of the housing debate in Edinburgh, campaigning for better tenants’ rights in areas such as stock transfer, rent increases and tenant living conditions.

Today, its volunteers work closely with the City of Edinburgh Council to help inform tenant participation strategy across the city.

Looking at the organisation’s ambitions moving forward, Ilene Campbell, former CEO and current associate at the Tenant Information Service (TIS), gave attendees a sneak-peak at the refreshed branding, mission, vison and values that has been launched to coincide with the organisation’s 35th year.

The charity’s new identity is driven forward by their three-year mission statement: through collaboration, representation, and meaningful participation, ETF tenant volunteers will work with tenants’ and residents’ groups, The City of Edinburgh Council, housing organisations, and key decision makers to strengthen communities and drive positive change.

Speaking of the organisation’s new visual identity and updated mission, vison and values, Betty Stone, ETF convenor, said: “This is a major milestone for our organisation as we celebrate our 35th year. With a clear purpose firmly embedded, we can move forward with our commitment to supporting tenants to understand their rights, amplifying their voices, and influencing the housing decisions that affect them every day.

“By building on our strong foundations and refreshing our mission, vision, and values, we are well placed to grow our reach, increase our impact, and continue driving positive change for tenants across the capital.

“If you are a tenant or part of a tenants’ or residents’ organisation in Edinburgh and want to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference in communities, I would encourage you to join us.”