Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) has appointed a new chair for the organisation following its AGM last week.

Norman MacLeod agreed to accept a nomination for the role, taking over from Iain MacMillan who stepped down at the AGM.

Mr MacLeod has considerable experience of the housing sector and local business environment, having served as a councillor with CNES for several years and also managing the Western Isles branch of Scottish Fuels.

Mr Macleod said: “I am delighted to have been appointed chair of HHP. I am looking forward to this new challenge, to be part of HHP, as we move forward in providing new quality homes that will meet the needs of our communities in the Outer Hebrides for the foreseeable future.”

The AGM, HHP’s eleventh, took place on September 7 in Lews Castle, Stornoway. Outgoing chair Iain MacMillan welcomed those present and commented that HHP was in a healthy position and continued to build on the success of the past ten years, despite operating in a challenging environment.

Director of finance & corporate services, Donald MacLeod, then 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 eleventh year running. Ms Templeton, representing Wylie & Bissett, commented that the outcome of the audit was an unqualified opinion.

The collected membership then approved a resolution to reappoint Wylie & Bissett as external auditors for the coming year, and a further resolution to donate £5,000 to five local charitable organisations MacMillan Nurses, Young Musicians Hebrides, Stornoway Phab Club, Western Isles Carers Support Network and Western Isles Community Care Forum.

HHP chief executive, Dena MacLeod, thanking the attendees for their presence that evening, and went on to thank tenants, staff and business partners for their support in the past year. Ms MacLeod stated that HHP remained committed to providing warm, affordable homes that are fit for the future.

Following the close of formal business, Donnie ‘Maroot’ MacLeod gave an enjoyable and informative talk on a charitable organisation, Care for a Ceilidh, which he founded in 2006.

Attendees were invited to stay for refreshments to round off an enjoyable evening.

Meanwhile, HHP investment manager, Peter O’Donnell, has been presented with the Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management.

The Qualifications Company Ltd has been supporting HHP’s managers over the past two years as they worked towards the qualification.

Presenting the award, chair Iain MacMillan said: “My colleagues and I on HHP’s Board are delighted that another member of the staff team has achieved their level 5 in Leadership and Management.”

Peter added: “I am very happy to receive the ILM qualification and would like to thank Claire Macleod and Hilary Crick for their invaluable coaching. I also congratulate my fellow managers on their ILM achievements and look forward to leading HHP together.”