The “inspiring” regeneration work of Scotland’s housing providers is the key that unlocks the door to better communities, it was claimed this week.

Thenue Housing, which is now Scotland’s Housing Association of the Year for larger housing providers, said the regeneration activity undertaken by itself and others was “essential” for vibrant communities.

In a triumph for the organisation, Thenue won the title in a keenly-fought contest at the Scottish Home Awards 2016, announced last week in Edinburgh.

Thenue - which has homes across Glasgow and has its main office in Calton in the east end – called the win in the category for an Association with over 2000 homes “sensational”. It was immediately hailed as a huge endorsement of the work done in the communities Thenue serves - ranging from the housing provided to the vast regeneration work undertaken and its commitment to delivering value for money.

Staff and board members travelled to the ceremony in Edinburgh including chair Owen Stewart and chief executive Charlie Turner.

Owen said: “This is a ringing endorsement of Thenue and the vital regeneration work done in our communities. It is not enough to build and improve homes. We have always believed that to create sustainable communities where people want to live requires huge effort to regenerate them.

“Housing associations and housing co-operatives do a power of good work with their regeneration activities in the true spirit of the housing association movement. And we applaud all that is being done right across the country. There is no doubt this inspiring work unlocks the door to better communities.

“Thenue has been leading the way on this for many years and I commend the work of the Thenue Board, the hardworking and dedicated staff and the many volunteers who make our work so worthwhile.”

Charlie said: “We are over the moon at winning the title of Housing Association of the Year. Housing associations like ourselves are the anchor in communities – delivering real improvements and helping the people who live in our homes.

“That is what the housing association movement is all about – it is not simply about collecting the rent from our tenants. Delivering value for our money with affordable rents, helping people with their finances, and building new homes at the former Commonwealth Games village are some examples of the essential work we do.

“Now that we are Housing Association of the Year our customers can be assured that we will continue to focus all our energy on the things that really matter.”

A key part of the Thenue regeneration strategy has been to assist tenants to claim State benefits to which they are entitled. In its submission for the Award, Thenue revealed it had obtained a remarkable £1.2 million for its customers.

It is also helping people pick up digital skills through a scheme known as ‘Smart Communities’.

Also revealed was the fact that 99 per cent of people who came to Thenue’s offices said staff were “friendly, willing to listen and polite”.

Thenue was founded in 1979 and takes its name from St Thenue, the mother of St Mungo – patron saint of the city of Glasgow. It has grown steadily over the last 37 years and employs 60 staff.