Committee members and staff past and present are gathering at Glasgow’s Trades Hall today to mark 50 years since the first CBHAs were registered by the Housing Corporation in Scotland in 1975.

The event is being run by the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations, in conjunction with Share, Employers in Voluntary Housing and Glasgow City Council.

Guests will hear from a range of speakers, including Raymond Young, formerly of the Housing Corporation and author of Annie’s Loo – the Govan origins of Scotland’s Community Based Housing Associations. And there will also be contributions from some of the women pioneers of the early CBHAs, featured in last week’s new research report from Prof. Kim McKee at Stirling University.

John F Hamilton, GWSF, chair, said:  “It’s only fitting that we mark our history and the amazing women and men who fought so hard to bring CBHAs into being – after all, CBHAs are the very embodiment of community ownership and community empowerment and provide incredibly responsive services to their communities.

“But make no mistake, our day-to-day focus continues to be on supporting our members to ensure that their associations remain in robust health for another 50 years and more to come.”

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for housing, development and land use at Glasgow City Council, added: “Community-based housing associations remain important anchors in Glasgow’s communities and should be celebrated as we mark this, their 50th anniversary year. Through the provision of good quality homes and their essential role in driving forward the regeneration of our neighbourhoods, these housing associations are key partners in not only the delivery of the city’s Local Housing Strategy, but also in tackling the housing emergency and providing the foundation on which residents build their lives.”

Allan Scott, Share chair, commented:  “As we mark this important milestone, Share continues to champion the development of strong governance and leadership across the sector, ensuring that community-based housing remains resilient, responsive, and rooted in local needs.”

Nicki Finlayson, Employers in Voluntary Housing chair, said: “EVH is delighted to be involved in helping celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first CBHAs in Scotland. EVH was born shortly afterwards all those years ago with a mission to support these new organisations and their fantastic committee members in their crucial role as employers in their communities, and has been proud to do so ever since - here’s to another 50 years!”