Bill Wilkie joined Eildon Housing Association back in its infancy in 1978 and was appointed as vice chair in 1980.

He went on to become chairman and remained in this position from 1982 until 2009 – an amazing 27 years at the helm. Bill was also a founding member of Eildon Enterprise.

Bill would say that Eildon was in his DNA, and when he retired back in 2019, he found it hard, but was comforted knowing the housing association he was leaving was in a healthy position going forward - a very different picture from the struggling organisation he had joined back in 1978.

Chief executive, Nile Istephan, said: “Most of us know the force of nature and the thoroughly good man Bill was. But for those who didn’t have the privilege of getting to know him, I think it is safe to say he is the single most important person in making Eildon Housing the organisation it is today – and he did this entirely through voluntary effort.”

Cathie Fancy, chair of Eildon, added: “Bill gave a total of 41 years of service to Eildon - a truly amazing accomplishment that represents the very best of the voluntary spirit which characterises the Scottish housing association movement. His expertise and commitment were irreplaceable, and the contribution he made is the reason Eildon is in a strong position to continue to deliver for the communities of the Scottish Borders.”

Staff members, former board members, friends and colleagues are all saddened by his passing.