This week, we are sad to be bidding farewell to two members of the Rural Housing Scotland team, with Derek Logie retiring after leading the organisation for more than 20 years and Kirsten Glover leaving to pursue new ventures.

Rural Housing Scotland (RHS) was launched in February 2001, with the objective of improving the supply of housing, particularly affordable housing in rural Scotland, and of engaging and equipping communities to secure this. Since then, it has been led by our Chief Executive, Derek Logie, pictured here with RHS board member Annie McKee and housing minister Shona Robison MSP at the 2023 annual RHS conference in Birnam.

Over the years, Derek has worked with countless communities to support them in addressing their housing need through community-led action. His innovative ideas, passion for rural development, and dedication to a future with better, more affordable rural housing supply has had a significant impact throughout his career. He has made a remarkable contribution to the campaign for better rural investment and has been at the forefront of the evolution of community-led housing, offering practical, direct support to communities navigating housing projects, as well as contributing to policy development and helping to ensure rural voices are heard.

The RHS Board would like to thank Derek for his leadership, vision and energy. He leaves behind an organisation held in high regard, which fills a gap between the providers of affordable homes and the communities which need them.

We also say goodbye to Kirsten Glover, who joined the RHS team as a recent graduate back in 2021 and is leaving to pursue new projects and travels. We thank her for her work and wish her the best of luck with her future endeavours in Applecross & beyond.

With Derek moving on, the RHS Board has been reconsidering their role, and looking to a new future. We are delighted that Donna Young, who has worked with Rural Housing Scotland for the past year as our Smart Clachan Development Officer, will be taking on the role of Co-ordinator. Donna has considerable experience in fundraising and partnership-building and has done fantastic work since she joined RHS. She will continue to work on her existing projects, whilst assisting the board in shaping the future of RHS and meeting the strategic priorities of the organisation, which include building our membership base and key partnerships. 

We look forward to continuing to work towards our vision: a home for all in flourishing communities in rural Scotland.