Recent protests across Glasgow have drawn local housing associations into community tensions.

Shettleston Housing Association closed its physical office and shifted staff to home working following online calls for a demonstration targeting their premises by groups like the ‘Scottish Citizens Army’.

New Gorbals Housing Association also temporarily shut down operations at its Crown Street office to protect staff and customers amid fears that outside agitators might exploit a local rally.

While highlighting the “fundamental problem” of a lack of homes, the SFHA said it will “continue to stand up for social housing and its values”.

A spokesperson said: “Recent protests have drawn housing associations into tensions. We are here to support you. And with everyone else, we are clear: housing associations allocate homes in accordance with the law and on the basis of housing need. The people they house, whether they are New Scots or were born here, are not the cause of Scotland’s housing emergency.

“The fundamental problem is that we do not have enough homes and social homes. Inaccurate or divisive claims about how homes are allocated risk creating tension within communities and can place housing association staff and tenants in difficult and sometimes unsafe situations. This is unacceptable. 

“Our members are here to meet housing need and support tenants, not to manage the consequences of irresponsible political rhetoric. 

“SFHA will continue to work constructively across Parliament and government, while challenging claims that misrepresent social housing or put people at risk. After 50 years of representing the sector, we will continue to stand up for social housing and its values, and we ask Scotland’s political leaders to do the same.”