Emma Roddick MSP visited Albyn Housing Society in Inverness to discuss new homes, tenancy support and fuel poverty across the Highlands.
The visit, arranged through the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), highlighted the challenges facing tenants and the impact of Albyn’s work across the region.
Roddick, who represents Inverness and Nairn, said: “Local housing associations are vital, and it’s the delivery of social homes that we most need to tackle the housing emergency.
“I’m always happy to engage with Albyn and other providers in the Highlands to look at how we can work together to remove barriers and support their work – which we desperately need done. I’m pleased that Albyn is so focused on tackling fuel poverty and preventing homelessness – two things also very important to me.”
Albyn is the largest independent social housing provider in the Highlands. Following a board decision in 2024, it is aiming to deliver over 600 new affordable homes over the next five years, though planning and infrastructure delays have affected the pace of delivery.
Supporting tenants to sustain their tenancies remains a priority for the organisation, with staff teams providing early support – including financial assistance and energy advice – to prevent tenancy breakdown. Since 2023, Albyn has secured over £1m in financial gains for tenants through internal and external funding, support it said has been vital in helping tenants cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
Fuel poverty remains a significant issue in the Highlands, where limited access to affordable fuel leaves many homes reliant on more expensive, electricity-based heating. Albyn said rising energy costs are forcing some tenants to under-heat their homes, increasing the risk of damp and mould – something it described as a public health concern as well as a housing issue. The organisation said it continues to work with partners to improve the energy efficiency of its homes.
Maureen Knight, interim group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: “We were pleased to welcome Emma Roddick MSP to Inverness and to have the opportunity to discuss both the challenges and the progress that Albyn is making across the Highlands. From our commitment to delivering over 600 new homes over the next five years, to the direct support we provide to help tenants sustain their tenancies, our teams are focused on making a real and lasting difference.
“Engagement with MSPs is vital in ensuring that the realities facing rural communities are understood, and that there is continued support for the investment and collaboration required to improve outcomes for our tenants. We look forward to continuing to work with our elected representatives and partners to address these challenges and build on the progress already being made.”
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