Fife Housing Association has appointed Maureen Garvie OBE as its new Chair of the Group's Board.

Ms Garvie, who is from Dunfermline, has said she is "delighted" with the appointment.

In a statement, she added that she is looking forward to working with the rest of the board at what is "an exciting time" for the group.

She commented: "We have the advantage of a range of properties within well established locations where people take care of their homes and a pride in their community.

"This makes it easier for us to achieve our aim of getting more of our tenants involved with their housing association.

"The team at Fife Housing Group also has many years of experience behind them and are willing to adapt to the changing environment and requirements of our tenants."


However, she also said she was aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

"We need to improve the service we offer to our tenants, particularly our programmes of repairs and upgrading," she explained. "We also need to relet our vacant properties more quickly to provide much needed housing and the money to fund improvements for the rest of our homes.

"Most importantly, we need to make sure we are always listening to tenants to identify their priorities and deliver good homes in good quality neighbourhoods free from anti-social behaviour.

"Our aim is to be seen as the housing provider of choice in Fife by improving our existing homes and building new ones to meet the changing needs of our existing and potential tenants."

Nicki Donaldson, Chief Executive, added: "This is a time of change, challenge and opportunity for Fife Housing Group and an exciting time for Maureen to take up the Chair's position.

"With Maureen's background in property and the Scottish Government, and her previous experience as an FHG board member, Maureen is absolutely the right person for this post.

"I look forward to working closely with Maureen and the board to create a Fife Housing Group which our tenants, board and colleagues can justifiably be proud of."

(JP/CD)