Last night was Alan Russell’s first night at the helm of Hillcrest Housing Association.

After five years as Hillcrest’s chairperson, Val Howard recently stepped down in accordance with governance rules.

Angela Linton, Hillcrest Group chief executive, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Val over the last five years and I look forward to her continuing to make a meaningful contribution to the work of Hillcrest as a board member.

“I have appreciated the leadership and support that Val has offered me and I am proud of what we have achieved together during her time as chairperson.”

Alan Russell last night chaired his first committee of management meeting in his new role of chairperson.

Angela Linton added: “Alan has been a member of the committee of management for around 20 years and has an excellent understanding of what we are trying to achieve. Coupled with his own knowledge of the housing and third sector, Alan will be an excellent ambassador and leader for Hillcrest.”

Alan’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Hillcrest with committee recently approving one of their biggest development programmes to date. Over the next three years Hillcrest’s ambitious programme will deliver nearly 1750 homes including properties in Aberdeen, a new area of operation for the organisation.