Albyn Housing Society has appointed Robert Buchanan as a new Director of IT and Business Services to support the operations and resilience of the social housing provider as well as a new Head of Development and Sustainability in Marcie Ballance to help Albyn combat the Highland housing challenge.
Part of the wider Albyn Group, Highland Residential has also appointed a new board member in Margaret Morrison.
Margaret has several decades of experience in the global technology sector and is an adviser to the Scottish GovTech Cluster and the Scottish Business Network. Margaret is also a Board member at ScotlandIS, a membership organisation for the digital technology industry. Prior to her current roles Margaret has held senior leadership roles at Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard, CGI and NTT Data.
Robert joins the Albyn Housing Society senior team from IT Foundation, an IT and cyber security firm, where he was Director of Operations. He has also spent almost 18 years working in the social housing sector, working in IT and group services at Dunedin Canmore, now part of the Wheatley Group.
Marcie brings a wealth of experience to Albyn. After originally qualifying and working as an architect, for the past 20 years she has worked in development and asset management roles within the affordable housing sector. Most recently as Director of Property at Langstane Housing Association, Marcie had responsibility for delivering over 430 new homes as well as leading on repairs, maintenance and tenant safety.
Albyn is one of the largest social housing providers in the Highlands, with over 3,800 properties in 80 rural communities and has around 90 employees with offices in Invergordon and Inverness. Albyn is a pioneer in the use of technology to support its tenants. As well as social rented housing, Albyn facilitates mid-market rent and low-cost ownership initiatives through its subsidiary Highland Residential.
Albyn Group CEO, Kirsty Morrison, commented on the appointments. “We are really proud that both of these talented individuals are joining our mission to deliver high quality housing in the Highlands to satisfied tenants.
“Robert will be key in helping Albyn to deliver our services more efficiently whilst bolstering our resilience in the digital world. Margaret’s experience in the tech sector will provide valuable insights and guidance.
“Albyn is one of the most innovative social housing providers utilising our cutting edge Fit Homes technology to allow individuals to maintain their independence in their own home for as long as is possible. We are also fully committed to overcoming the Highland housing challenge. These new appointments will help us to drive this forward into the future.”
Lesley McInnes, Chair of the Albyn board, said: “Robert, Margaret and Marcie are really positive additions to the Albyn team and will help the organisation reach the next level. Their expertise in the IT industry and in development will help us ensure Albyn is fit for the future.”
Robert added: “Having worked alongside the Albyn team in the past in previous roles, I know just how dedicated the teams are to providing homes across some of the most rural parts of the UK to the people that need them. I am really looking forward to joining the team and delivering for our customers across the Highlands.”
Margaret added: “A number of years ago while working in the IT industry I was inspired by the innovative approach and the positive impact Fit Homes technology was having on the everyday lives of tenants and their families. I am very excited to be joining the board. It is a huge privilege to be part of this journey, learning more about the sector while contributing my knowledge and experience in support of a talented team committed to delivering the best possible service for our customers.”
Marcie added: “This role allows me to really focus on two aspects of affordable housing that I am really passionate about, development and sustainability. I look forward to collaborating with the team at Albyn to deliver on these goals and make a positive difference to the customers and communities we serve.”