Due to some positive changes in Jim’s personal circumstances, he will be retiring in December.

Mr McAlpine has worked for Reidvale since 1991 and absolutely has the organisation at heart. Through his expertise, and love for our community, he has given his all for Reidvale over the years and will be very much missed.

Reidvale is very much part of the grassroots of the Glaswegian community-based landlord movement and have been providing housing and factoring services for the people of Dennistoun since 1975. The association is testament that amazing things can be achieved by ordinary people and in 1974, the Reidvale Residents Association was formed to tackle the areas’ many problems.

Local man John Butterly was the first chairperson and helped steer the committee through long and difficult discussions with the city corporation to save the area from the wrecking ball. Since then, a committee of local people have had a say in the redevelopment and operation of the area, providing much more than just housing and supporting award-winning community initiatives.

Mr McAlpine has been a part of the Association through its journey to refurbish around 1000 local properties, build new homes and establish real and lasting links with the community and has seen many changes.

He said: “It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to have been able to work with, and for, so many great people over the years. The fact that the Association is so rooted within its community and has continued to prosper over the decades through the unstinting efforts of local residents is truly inspirational. Individuals will inevitably come and go but with its deeply held ethos and values, I know Reidvale will continue to have its community at the heart of all its efforts.

“I wish everyone at Reidvale every happiness and look forward to keeping in touch with all the many friends I have made over the years.”

Mr McAlpine’s departure means that the Association has the opportunity to pause and take stock of where it wants to be in the next 5-10 years and as such there is no immediate rush to replace Jim at present. Instead the management committee are planning to appoint an interim director for a period of between 12 and 18 months to lead on developing a new business plan, focus on governance and look to the future through an options appraisal.

The management committee has said it is very grateful to Jim for all that he has achieved in almost 30 years at Reidvale and current chair, Helen Moore, commented: “Our committee and staff feel incredibly lucky to have had Jim’s skill, support, and latterly direction for so long. Since 1991, Jim has been popular with tenants and, staff and committee alike. Since his appointment as Director in 2017, he has led the staff team though much change, including new appointments to the team and also within the sector and we will always be hugely grateful that Jim has always put what is best for our community first. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

The role of interim director is now live on the Scottish Housing News website and the management committee are looking forward to the future building on the strong community values that have kept Reidvale at the heart of Dennistoun for 45 years.