The move means the UK professional and regulatory body for lettings agents will have a representative for Scotland for the first time.

Brian, who has worked for Your Move letting agents in Scotland for 17 years and who was originally the regional representative for ARLA, can ensure that help and guidance regarding, for example, regulatory compliance is provided to letting agents across Scotland. In addition he will also contribute to ARLA campaigns to make the property market more efficient and user friendly for those specifically looking to let or rent in Scotland.

The appointment follow’s Brian’s success in also gaining a seat on the new Property Ombudsman Scheme (TPO) Scotland – an independent scheme that has been launched to ensure best practice amongst lettings agents and which, as a member of the TPO, Brian will champion.

He said: “I am obviously delighted to have been appointed to the ARLA Board and to effectively become the first ‘Lettings Voice of Scotland’ in terms of ensuring that any changes to the Scottish legislation surrounding the Private Rental Sector (PRS) are communicated to the UK ARLA Board. Something that Scotland has never had an opportunity to do.

“This, in turn, should help to raise and maintain high professional standards within the industry but also, of course, ensure that the needs of landlords and tenants across Scotland are heard which should ultimately benefit all within the lettings market.

“In addition my appointment to the TPO Scotland will help provide an independent facility for consumers in Scotland to resolve any disputes with agents. The Code of Practice that has been introduced specifically for Scotland reflects the different approach we take to property transactions compared to the rest of the UK and, should, I hope, be more relevant and useful to all those connected with the lettings market across Scotland.”

Brian takes up his appointment on the ARLA board on 8 July.

@arla_uk