Mary Taylor discusses the history and development of housing associations in Scotland, exploring their origins, challenges, and future prospects.

The episode offers insights into how housing policy has evolved over 50 years and what it means for tenants and policymakers today.

Homes by Association: 50 years of housing associations in Scotland by Mary Taylor with Lynn McCulloch is available via Porto Press: https://portopress.com/products/9781849956154_homes-by-association?srsltid=AfmBOop_U8UwLAYs6N8vV8aqE_Mw0NLnDP-dBovURUaV7rsIoVYclnyU

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/⁠⁠

Discover how social housing providers are embracing responsible pet ownership through an innovative initiative from the Dogs Trust.

This episode features insights from the charity's Pet‑Friendly Housing Lead Jennifer Leonard and Angus Housing Association’s Director of Housing Services Linlay Anderson on making housing more accommodating for pets while safeguarding property and community wellbeing.

In this episode:

• The origins and goals of the Pet-Friendly Housing Pilot in Scotland

• How housing associations are updating policies to support responsible pet ownership

• The development and impact of Scotland’s first pet-friendly accreditation for social landlords

• Resources available for tenants and staff to promote animal welfare

• Challenges with property damage, antisocial behaviour, and legislative support

• The role of legislation, including the Housing Scotland Act, in enabling pet-friendly policies

• Practical steps for landlords to balance animal welfare with tenancy management

• Future expansion plans for pet-inclusive housing initiatives across the UK

• The mental health benefits of pet ownership, especially for vulnerable tenant groups

• Collaboration with local authorities, legal frameworks, and external agencies for comprehensive support

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The importance of pets in social housing

01:17 - The Dogs Trust pet-friendly housing pilot: origins and objectives

02:33 - Supporting homeless individuals with pets through the Together Through Homelessness scheme

03:48 - Practical implications for tenants choosing between housing and pets

05:15 - Angus Housing Association’s approach to pet policies and tenant support

06:48 - Updating tenancy agreements and managing antisocial behaviour

10:20 - Scotland’s first accredited pet-friendly social landlord: Manor Estates

12:10 - The development of the pet-friendly toolkit and its sector reception

13:21 - Resources for responsible pet ownership for tenants and staff

14:39 - Practical changes in housing management and dealing with pet-related issues

17:25 - Handling cases of animal neglect and abuse

18:46 - Legal procedures and tenancy law in pet-related enforcement

20:20 - Legislative updates: Scottish Housing Act 2025 and Renters’ Rights

21:39 - Enhancements to landlord response times and appeal processes

24:00 - The range of pets supported and restrictions in sheltered housing

28:09 - The mental health benefits of pet ownership for older and vulnerable tenants

33:46 - Addressing damage and contamination issues in properties

36:22 - Future research, expansion, and cross-sector collaboration

40:58 - Challenges with pets in social housing and the need for support

42:12 - Advice for landlords hesitant about pet policies

43:37 - Closing remarks: The importance of partnership and progressive policies

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

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Gregor Morrison, national contractor manager at Aico and Bob Cairney, director of technical services at SELECT, offer a practical and Scottish-specific perspective on how the new duties around damp and mould will work on the ground.

Gregor brings insight from Aico’s work as a market leader in home life safety systems and environmental monitoring, including live Scottish deployments.

Bob offers the trade body perspective, representing electrical contractors who will be key to delivering compliant solutions under the new regime.

Given the imminent start of the legislation in Scotland, it will be a timely and practical topic for listeners.

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/how-scotland-is-gearing-up-for-awaabs-law-podcast-transcript

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Interested in sponsorship? Download our podcast media pack ⁠here⁠.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

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"The planets are starting to align for change."

In this episode of the Scottish Housing News podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the urgent need for accessible housing in Scotland with Michael Driscoll, Chair of the Scottish Accessible Housing Network and CEO of Horizon Housing, and Jill Pritchard, Horizon’s Chair and a leading voice in inclusive design.

They explore the role of the Scottish Accessible Housing Network, the importance of setting national targets for accessible housing, and the challenges of funding adaptations. The conversation emphasises the need for a holistic approach to housing that includes the voices of users and the integration of health and social care. They also discuss the role of the private sector in providing accessible housing and the importance of celebrating good practices in the field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Accessible Housing in Scotland

02:34 The Role of the Scottish Accessible Housing Network

05:11 Urgency for Accessible Housing

08:07 Setting National Targets for Accessible Housing

10:55 Building Accessible Homes from the Start

13:39 Involving Users in Housing Design

16:41 Funding Challenges for Adaptations

19:40 The Need for a National Strategy

22:21 Holistic Approaches to Housing and Health

25:19 The Role of Private Sector in Accessible Housing

27:59 Celebrating Accessibility in Housing

31:02 Future Directions for Accessible Housing Network

Further reading:

The Scottish Accessible Housing Network Call to Action: https://www.horizonhousing.org/download/docm93jijm4n4017.pdf?ver=6746

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/the-scottish-accessible-housing-network-podcast-transcript

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Interested in sponsorship? Download our podcast media pack here.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/⁠

In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, hosts Kieran Finlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issue of tenement repairs in Scotland, focusing on the recent recommendations from the Scottish Law Commission regarding compulsory owners' associations and building reserve funds.

Guests Mike Heffron, chief executive of Under One Roof Scotland and Gillian Campbell from Gillian Campbell Consulting provide insights into the challenges of fragmented ownership, the role of local authorities, and the financial realities of maintaining tenement properties.

The conversation also explores lessons from European models, the importance of legislative support, and the future of tenement maintenance in the context of decarbonisation and community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tenement Repairs and Ownership Challenges

02:38 Scottish Law Commission's Recommendations

05:00 Implementation Challenges and Owner Associations

07:56 Role of Local Authorities in Tenement Maintenance

10:44 Building Reserve Funds and Financial Models

13:14 Cultural Shifts in Property Ownership

15:53 Future of Tenement Maintenance and Decarbonization

18:19 Legislative Support and Government Action

21:06 Success Metrics for Owners Associations

23:43 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Further reading:

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations: https://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/news/tenement-law-compulsory-owners-associations/

A Workable Model for Building Reserve Funds: https://underoneroof.scot/a-workable-model-for-building-reserve-funds-new-report-out-now/

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/compulsory-tenement-owners-associations-with-gillian-campbell-and-mike-heffron-podcast-transcript

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠⁠ 

⁠https://x.com/ScotHousingNews⁠ 

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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/⁠

In this episode, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black explore one of the most urgent and least‑acknowledged dimensions of Scotland’s housing emergency: the disproportionate impact on Black people and people of colour.

A new report from Shelter Scotland and the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) reveals that systemic racism is shaping who gets help, who is turned away, and who waits the longest for a safe, permanent home. To unpack the findings, the hosts are joined by:

• Gordon Llewellyn‑MacRae, Assistant Director of Communications and Advocacy, Shelter Scotland

• Dr Nadia Ayed, Research Associate at I‑SPHERE, Heriot‑Watt University

Together, they examine the data, the lived experience behind it, and the practical steps needed to build an anti‑racist housing system.

Further reading:

• Systemic Racism and Scotland's Housing Emergency Joint Report - https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/policy_library/systemic_racism_and_scotlands_housing_emergency

• I-Sphere’s Homelessness, Race and Ethnicity research - https://i-sphere.site.hw.ac.uk/2025/07/11/final-report-of-our-homelessness-race-and-ethnicity-research-programme-finds-shocking-evidence-of-inequalities/

• Anti-Racism and Housing Network meeting (February 2026) https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/events/anti-racism-and-housing-network

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/confronting-systemic-racism-in-housing-with-gordon-llewellynmacrae-and-dr-nadia-ayed-podcast-transcript

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠ 

https://x.com/ScotHousingNews 

https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews 

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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

"All of the evidence tells us that housing associations make Scotland healthier, wealthier and fairer" - Jen Gracie

As Scotland faces a housing emergency in an election year, the conversation around housing policy has never been more crucial. In this edition, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black engage with Jen Gracie, public affairs and media manager at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), and Susan Jackson, Campion Homes' joint managing director, to discuss the pressing issues and necessary priorities for the next Scottish Government.

The SFHA released a series of policy papers titled 'The Road to 2026' to allow for a detailed examination of various challenges facing housing associations, ahead of compiling the main points in a single manifesto.

Jen emphasises that housing associations play a pivotal role in making Scotland "healthier, wealthier, and fairer". The upcoming manifesto titled 'Housing Associations, Building Scotland's Future' aims to encapsulate the critical needs for the next government, ensuring that new MSPs understand the significance of housing associations.

Susan Jackson shares insights from her extensive experience in the affordable housing sector. She stresses the importance of long-term funding for housing associations, citing the current uncertainty in funding cycles as a major barrier to effective planning and development. Susan also discusses the implications of new regulatory standards on housing development and the uncertainty surrounding costs associated with these regulations.

Both Jen and Susan reiterate the need for clear guidelines and stability in regulations to encourage investment and development in housing projects.

We are now available to watch on YouTube. Find us here: https://www.youtube.com/@ScottishHousingNews

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/what-housing-needs-from-the-next-scottish-government-with-susan-jackson-and-jen-gracie-podcast-transcript

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠ 

https://x.com/ScotHousingNews 

https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd 

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Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

This episode delves into the complexities of mixed tenure housing in Scotland, focusing on the challenges faced by social landlords in maintaining properties that include both social and private housing.

Audrey Murphy, interim director at Abronhill Housing Association, and Professor Douglas Robertson discuss the implications of fragmented ownership, the limitations of current legislation, and the urgent need for solutions to ensure the upkeep and safety of tenement buildings.

They highlight real-life examples of maintenance issues and propose potential strategies for improvement, emphasising the need for a unified approach to housing standards and responsibilities among all owners.

Further reading: 

• Why Flats Fall Down - Navigating shared responsibilities for their repair and maintenance: https://thinkhouse.org.uk/site/assets/files/1345/befs0120.pdf

• Tick Tock for Tenements: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/douglas-robertson-tick-tock-for-tenements

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/minority-landlords-and-mixed-tenure-repairs-podcast-transcript

Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-should-we-let-our-tenements-crumble

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠

https://x.com/ScotHousingNews

https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews

https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd

https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com

https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews

Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the theme of 'Everybody Needs Good Neighbours' for Scottish Housing Day. They explore the importance of community and neighbourliness, the role of housing associations in fostering social connections, and the challenges of social isolation.

Guests Callum Chomczuk, the national director for Scotland at the Chartered Institute of Housing, and Jamie Ballantyne, social regeneration manager at Queens Cross Housing Association, share insights on community engagement, the impact of digital connectivity, and the significance of small gestures in building trust and cohesion within neighbourhoods.

The conversation emphasises the need for investment in social housing and the potential for positive change through community-driven initiatives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scottish Housing Day

02:49 The Importance of Neighbourliness

05:33 Community Engagement and Regeneration Projects

08:25 Building Trust and Connections

11:08 Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour

13:49 The Role of Housing Associations

16:28 Celebrating Community Initiatives

19:34 The Impact of Social Isolation

22:19 Measuring Success in Community Work

25:03 Challenges and Opportunities for Housing Associations

28:04 Fostering Pride in Communities

30:54 Conclusion and Neighbourly Gestures

Further reading:

Scottish Housing Day report: https://www.cih.org/publications/scottish-housing-day-report-everybody-needs-good-neighbours/

Queens Cross Housing Association Social Regeneration Impact Report: 2024/25: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SR%20Impact%20Report%20and%20cover%20202425%20Final%20Draft%20V3.pdf 

Cedar mural design: https://www.qcha.org.uk/news/484-over-200-local-children-help-with-cedar-mural-design

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/scottish-housing-day-celebrating-good-neighbours-podcast-transcript

Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here: 

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠

https://x.com/ScotHousingNews

https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews

https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd

https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com

https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews
Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/

In this episode, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issue of homelessness with Maureen Knight from Albyn Housing Society and Pamela Forrest from Riverside Scotland.

They explore innovative strategies to prevent homelessness, focusing on proactive tenancy sustainment and the Housing First for Families initiative. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced in different regions, the importance of community support, and the need for sustained funding from policymakers to effectively address housing issues. 

Success stories from both organisations illustrate the positive impact of their services on families and individuals in need.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction

02:54

Highland Housing Challenge

07:38

Housing First for Families initiative

13:42

Proactive tenancy sustainment services

17:53

Community benefits and Tenant Support Fund

19:44

Expansion of Housing First in Dumfries and Galloway

22:04

Support systems for homeless families

27:10

Common challenges in remote communities

30:24

The role of policymakers in housing solutions

35:17

Success stories: Transforming lives through support

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/tenancy-sustainment-podcast-transcript

Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here:  https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/blacks-blog-avoiding-arrears-voids-relets-and-failure

Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.

Feedback on this episode and the podcast is welcome via our social media channels:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/28156734/⁠

https://x.com/ScotHousingNews

https://www.instagram.com/scottishhousingnews

https://open.spotify.com/show/5ywXRXl40cxozNrBpReSTd

https://bsky.app/profile/scottishhousingnews.com

https://www.facebook.com/ScotHousingNews

Read all our news and sign up for our free daily newsletter at ⁠https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/