Maureen McDonald, who has chaired the Association since 2022, was announced as the  “Outstanding Contribution to Housing (Volunteer) at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow.

The award “honours an individual who has shown a strong sense of community, exceptional dedication, commitment, and impact in their role as a volunteer, board, or committee member.”

Her current term as chairperson caps two periods on Elderpark’s Management Committee. Three years ago she took on the responsibility of being Chair following the sudden ill-health of the existing Chair and, by her own admission, this was a role she hadn’t anticipated taking on. Her total length of service  on the Committee extends to more than 20 years coming in various stints over the years. Born locally,  she has lived in Govan all her life bringing up three children and is now a great grandmother.

Maureen McDonald has had a diverse career over the years, from being a highly-skilled shoe maker, a precision engineer and welder to her final post before retirement as a social worker. Her most recent period of service at Elderpark began in 2014 when she re-joined the Management Committee “to be a voice for tenants and help to deliver change”.

She said: “I am deeply honoured to have won this Award and to be honest a little bit taken aback. Community-based housing associations like Elderpark perform such a vital role in neighbourhoods across Scotland and I am proud to be part of this organisation which seeks to deliver good homes and a positive community within Govan.

“As a proud Govan-ite I am happy that by being part of Elderpark Housing I can play a part in the future of the area of which I am immensely passionate about.”

Elderpark chief executive Gary Dalziel, added: “Elderpark Housing is 50 this year and Maureen has lived within the community throughout our existence. From being a committee member she has grown effortlessly into the role of chairperson.

“You couldn’t find a more passionate advocate for Govan and in particular Elderpark. Maureen attends every meeting and event in the community within her voluntary capacity and is always supportive, friendly, kind and genuine which are traits which make her such a valued leader of the Association.

“The SHARE Award is a richly-deserved honour recognising a lifetime of community service.”