Jim Fraser will bid farewell to his colleagues and place of work of over four decades at the end of July.

His long tenure means he could well be the longest-serving estates staff member to have served the one housing provider anywhere in Scotland.

He remains one of the most “well kent” faces to tenants because of his travels around the housing stock over such a long time.

Jim came to Elderpark in April 1981 and did something which many housing professionals no longer do in their careers. He never left.

He decided to forego opportunities to move within the housing sector because of his desire to serve Elderpark and the neighbourhood where he grew up.

Originally from Glasgow’s Kinning Park, he joined Elderpark as a painter working on decorating closes. That was initially for a 12-week stint but he remained with the Association from that day on eventually becoming Estates Management Inspector in 2006.

Looking back he admits the years have “flown by” and is in no doubt that the presence of Elderpark Housing remains a vital component of community togetherness.

Jim explained: “Community-based housing associations perform a vital role in neighbourhoods across Scotland and Elderpark is a shining example of that commitment.

“They are renowned for reaching into the community to help people with a firm emphasis on community regeneration. I have always believed it is not enough to build new homes for people. You need to build and sustain communities where people want to live and that is a role which housing associations such as Elderpark fulfil with distinction.

“Helping people to sustain their tenancies in difficult times such as the pandemic and latterly the cost-of-living crisis where financial worries are an ever-present challenge are two of the most important things we have done as an Association in recent times.”

With regard to the pandemic, Jim was part of a team of Elderpark staff - together with partner organisations such as the young people’s charity Aberlour – who delivered over 5,000 meals to isolated residents – many of whom were shielding and cut off from family members as the virus took hold and lockdowns were imposed.

Jim added: “One of the reasons I never left was I loved working for Elderpark Housing. But the relationships I’ve built with colleagues and tenants has been the biggest factor. There have been many changes over the years as staff have come and gone but I can honestly say I have really enjoyed my time here. But all good things must come to an end. I will miss my colleagues a lot but a new chapter in life is beginning.”

Paying tribute to his dedication to Elderpark over the 43 years, chief executive Gary Dalziel said: “We are sorry to see Jim go albeit he has been threatening it since the first day I joined Elderpark!

“Everyone in the organisation and those within the community and the many partner organisations he has worked with over the years all hold Jim in high esteem. The contribution he has made to Elderpark Housing and the lives of people in and around our community is immense.

“As a colleague, he has been kind, considerate, caring and a real ‘quiet’ driver of Elderpark throughout the years he has been with us and the hole that his retiring will create in the Association will not be filled easily. We wish Jim a long and happy retirement and deeply appreciate all that he has done for Elderpark over the 43 years.”