The three Scottish housing organisations owned by Sanctuary Group have formally merged to operate as Sanctuary Scotland.

The merger makes Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association one of the country’s largest social landlords, with more than 6,500 homes. The combined operation will manage 1,987 properties in Cumbernauld and 1,505 across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus, in addition to the 3,095 properties currently managed by Sanctuary Scotland, in areas including Glasgow, Dundee and Renfrewshire.

Following an extensive consultation process with tenants, more than 84 per cent of Sanctuary Cumbernauld and Tenants First Housing Co-operative voters said ‘Yes’ to joining Sanctuary Scotland.

Sanctuary Scotland director Pat Cahill said: “Sanctuary Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire and Tenants First Housing Co-operative in the North East have become part of Sanctuary Scotland.

“In many respects it is business as usual for Sanctuary’s housing operations in Scotland. The merger will allow us to operate more efficiently, and the savings gained will be used to enhance the services provided to tenants.

“Sanctuary will continue to grow in Scotland, thanks in part to the Group’s ambitious development programme. Our plans will help the Scottish Government reach its target of at least 50,000 affordable homes by March 2021.”