Delivering the keynote address at RSHA’s 35th AGM held in Callander, he told of his admiration for the work it has undertaken over three and a half decades in serving the community and delivering affordable housing.

Councillor McGarvey called RSHA a “beacon” for Stirlingshire’s rural communities and that it was – in the true spirit of community-based housing  providers - motivated by good intentions to make a difference in many people’s lives.

He reminded the meeting that over the years RSHA had grown its housing stock to almost 700 homes and that “Stirling Council wants to see that figure grow as good housing transforms lives”.

Councillor McGarvey added: “I have a personal fondness for RSHA and we will continue to work closely with you. Be assured that the voice of RSHA will be heard. We genuinely believe in the value of the work you do.”

In her address, having completed a first year as chairperson, Fiona Boath spoke of a ”testing” year for so many people with the ever-present cost of living challenges.

She said: “It is well recognised that constructing small housing developments in rural areas remains difficult. Despite ongoing support, the housing shortage persists, and the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect our tenants, customers, and the Association financially. These issues, among others, continue to test our resilience. 

“Managing this situation has required significant effort from our staff, and I want to thank them for their dedication in maintaining our services over the past year. We understand the importance of building new affordable homes in our rural communities with 14 new properties at McQueen Way, Croftamie occupied in December. Funding for our forthcoming Balmaha development was secured in Spring this year, representing a major step forward for this project that has been in the pipeline since I joined the Board! I am excited to see it finally moving forward. 

“The development of 11 homes at Lampson Road, Killearn is well underway and due for completion this autumn. It will bring more new homes where they are so badly needed. Whilst building new homes, we mustn’t lose sight of our existing homes and continue to upgrade these properties, replacing windows & doors at 34 homes, along with boiler replacement at a further 22 homes. The planned maintenance programme expenditure amounted to £500,000.”

She continued: “The Board of Management is a great team of volunteers. We have a good mix of people with relevant professional expertise, some of whom are also tenants, who commit many hours to overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation.  And there are currently vacancies for individuals who would like to join the Board to support our community-based housing. We are keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming a Board member – please get in touch.

“At this AGM, however we say goodbye to Ken Butler who has served on our Board for 4 years, to Susan Macmillan who has served for 10 years, and to Linda Anderson - one of our longest standing Board Members who will be stepping down after an incredible 21 years. We thank them all for their dedication and commitment to the Board of Management over their years of service.”

The AGM also heard from RSHA’s external financial auditors who gave the Association a clean bill of health in terms of its finances. Another stand out achievement during the year was the continuing success of “My Rural” – the Association’s online self-service portal.

This innovative gateway - accessible online - is available round the clock and provides customers with the opportunity to pay rent, check what they owe, report a repair and generally manage their tenancy.

The association is encouraging more tenants to sign up and register for the free service. Meanwhile the Association - in its recently published Annual Report for 2024-25 - revealed it had put a colossal sum of money back into tenants’ pockets through what’s known as its “income maximisation service”.

Remarkably, the association - through this free and confidential service - had recorded £325,456 being obtained for tenants  - often as a result of State benefits they did not know they were entitled to claim

Donna Birrell, RSHA’s chief executive, concluded: “This astonishing sum achieved in just one year demonstrates our commitment to our tenants as we endeavour to help people claim money to which they are entirely entitled and in many instances ease financial pressure.”