Gordon Mitchell

Agnes Tallack, chair of the association, said: “On behalf of Hjaltland Housing Association’s Management Committee, our staff and tenants we would like to thank these two outstanding committee members for all their hard work and commitment throughout the years.

“Gordon and Bobby have dedicated an incredible 60 years between them as members of the Management Committee and we are grateful for all their dedication, passion and many hours which they have voluntarily given to the Association.”

Reflecting on his time with the association, Mr Mitchell said: “I actually started my housing association involvement by joining the committee of the Scottish Airports Housing Association at Sumburgh, when I was serving as chief pilot with Bristow Helicopters.

“At that time I was renting a new SAHA house at Thistle Court, Virkie. The merger between SAHA and Hjaltland Housing Association pushed me onto the HHA Committee, on which I have now served for 40 years.

“HHA was at that time a very small housing association which was struggling to remain viable. I am very pleased that it is now a flourishing body, with adequate funds and very good houses.

“I greatly enjoyed my years on the HHA Committee. I served for several years as vice-chair and a similar number as chair. I later expanded my housing experience when serving for 12 years on the Board of the Tenant Participation Advisory Service, Scotland and for six years on the Board of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

“The best part of it all was working with the cheerful and professional staff of the HHA. Their dedication and commitment over the years has transformed the association into an organisation to be proud of.”

Bobby Hunter

Mr Hunter said: “I have been a board member of Hjaltland for 19 years, which I have enjoyed very much. During that time Hjaltland have built almost 500 new houses which have provided much needed and valuable homes for the Shetland community.

“During my tenure I served as vice chair and chair of the committee. I also served as chair of Hjaltland Trading for several years. It has been a privilege to help in providing good affordable homes for the residents of Shetland.

“I am confident that Hjaltland will go from strength to strength with the excellent staff and committee that is now in charge.”

Mr Hunter will continue his involvement with the association by staying on as a director of Hjaltland Trading Ltd.

Due to the current restrictions, it was not possible to give the two the sent off they deserve; however, everyone at Hjaltland looks forward to getting together soon, whenever restrictions allow, in celebration for these years of faithful service.