Killin resident Fiona Boath has taken on the most senior role on the Association’s board of management after a period as vice chairperson.

Fiona succeeds Mark Griffiths who came to the end of his five years as chairperson at the recent AGM.

Strongly committed to the concept of community-based housing providers like RSHA and with an impressive background in voluntary work, Fiona has served on the board for almost 20 years.

Fiona first became aware of RSHA when she was allocated a flat at a newly-built RSHA development at Fingal Road in Killin in 2004.

She remains passionate about how important it is to have affordable housing in rural areas where people have the opportunity to stay, live and work in the place they grew up if they desire to do so.

Fiona has taken her dedication to community-based housing to a new level having achieved academic qualifications relating to housing which undoubtedly enhances her skills as a board member.

In 2010 Fiona completed a Scottish Qualifications Authority “Governance of Scottish Housing Association Certificate”, Chartered Institute of Housing “Level 2 Housing Practice” modules in 2019 and an Employers in Voluntary Housing “Governing Body Leadership Programme” in November 2021.

Her housing commitment is in addition to a strong track record in volunteering including activity in pre-school groups, Scouting within the local community and previously with the Brownies and Guides.

Fiona said: “I am delighted to have been elected as chairperson of Rural Stirling Housing Association. RSHA does such a vital job for the neighbourhoods we serve not just in delivering affordable homes but in bringing communities together.

“Vibrant, sustainable local communities for young, old and everyone in between is a huge reason as to why I have been privileged to serve on the RSHA Board of Management.

“I also want to pay tribute to my immediate predecessor Mark Griffiths whose five-year tenure has been characterised by hard work and a great sense of achievement on his watch. He will be a hard act to follow.”

Donna Birrell, chief executive of RSHA, added: “Fiona brings enthusiasm and a huge skill set to the role of Chairperson and her commitment to voluntary roles over many years speaks for itself.”