This success was based on a wide range of factors that the housing and care provider, operating across the Scottish Borders, was able to demonstrate to the judges.

In addition, Eildon’s latest new development in Kelso’s historic Roxburgh Street has been attracting attention from two major award-giving bodies for developing high quality homes sympathetically in this conservation area of the town.

The first award given was a ‘Commendation’ at the Homes for Scotland awards in May. This was quickly followed by winning the ‘Best Small Affordable Development’ (Social Rent) at the Scottish Homes Awards in June.

Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon Housing, said: “We are incredibly proud to have received this recognition, most recently at the Scottish Homes Awards. To be Commended as the Housing Association of the Year is a great honour and a tribute to all of our Board Members and staff who are hugely committed to the work we do in communities the length and breadth of the Scottish Borders. This recognition is a great incentive for us to continue our ambitious growth strategy and also to continue to focus of developing and improving the wide range of services that we deliver.

“I am also delighted that our fantastic new development at Roxburgh Street in Kelso has once again been recognised as worthy of a prestigious national award. This is a great example of a high quality new residential development that has been successful in regenerating an historic central site.

“By working in partnership with the Scottish Government, Scottish Borders Council and architects Assist Design, Eildon Housing Association has provided much-needed, high quality new homes in a great location.”

Euan Whitmore from Assist Design added: “Assist Design have enjoyed a successful relationship with Eildon Housing Association, working together over a number of years to deliver sustainable, high quality and award-winning affordable housing throughout the Scottish Borders.

“We’re delighted that they have received recognition of their sterling work through the recent Scottish Home Awards Commendation and are particularly pleased to see our Roxburgh Street project in Kelso win the Best Small Affordable Development Award too.

“Every project we undertake with Eildon Housing Association, in towns and villages across the Borders, offers the opportunity to provide and improve local communities access to well-designed homes and places and we wish them every success with their future growth and expansion initiatives.”