Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) held its tenth Annual General Meeting this month in An Lanntair, Stornoway.

Chair Iain MacMillan welcomed those present in Stornoway and also in Kildonan Museum, South Uist, where the event was being streamed live by video link. Mr MacMillan reported on the partnership’s operation over the past year, and highlighted some of HHP’s achievements over the 10 years since transfer, commenting that it had been a privilege to work with an organisation that had become a creditable social housing business.

Mr MacMillan said: “HHP took an encouraging long view, and its 30-year business plan was a significant part of its success.”

Mr MacMillan paid tribute to George Lonie, HHP’s former chairperson, who stood down in May, whose contribution to HHP’s success was considerable, and also to Mr Angus Lamont, HHP’s former chief executive, who retired in July.

Mr Lamont led and directed the partnership from before transfer until he retired, and his impact to its success could not be underestimated.

Chief executive Dena MacLeod gave a presentation on the financial statements for the year and advised that Auditors, Wylie & Bissett, gave the partnership a clean audit report for the tenth year running. Douglas Scott, representing Wylie & Bissett, commented that the outcome of the audit was an unqualified opinion, and HHP had undertaken a significant piece of work to be prepared for the first year of the accounting standard FRS 102.

The collected membership then approved a resolution to appoint Wylie & Bissett as external auditors for the coming year, and a further resolution to donate £5,000 to five local charitable organisations.

Following the close of formal business, a short film was played in which tenants and staff alike spoke of their experiences over the past 10 years.

Sandy Matheson then gave an enjoyable and informative talk on the History of Housing in the Western Isles. Mr Matheson spoke of the “fundamentally valuable” work HHP was engaged in, “not just social housing but all embracing” and went on to highlight how the town of Stornoway and the Islands were transformed by social housing.

Norman MacDonald, the convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, was introduced and spoke of the vital role social housing can play in the strengthening of rural communities.

Mr MacDonald said: “HHP have delivered for their tenants everything that was promised at transfer and further through their improvement programme.”

Chief executive Dena MacLeod then drew the event to a close by thanking tenants, staff and business partners for their contribution to HHP’s success, in addition to thanking those in attendance, in Stornoway and Uist, for joining the Partnership in their celebration that evening. Ms MacLeod commented that “HHP want to step forward with you” and work together for further success in the future.

Attendees were invited to stay for a buffet at both locations.

HHP staff would like to thank the staff of An Lanntair for their technical support and help with the smooth running of the event.