Tributes paid to Ann Rosengard

Ann Rosengard

Heavily involved in the early days of community-based housing associations, Ann worked at Reidvale Housing Association during the 1970s and subsequently was instrumental in the establishment of what is now known as Rutherglen & Cambuslang Housing Association around 1983. 

The University of Strathclyde graduate is also known for her research and work on mental health and homelessness. 

Ann began as a lecturer in organisational behaviour and management, moved on to industrial sociology/ industrial relations and later taught urban sociology and history to students of architecture and urban studies. At different stages, she moved out of academia and began her involvement with housing associations in Glasgow.

A long association with the Glasgow Council for Single Homeless then followed. Ann began as a development worker to set up the Glasgow stopover project for young homeless people, later becoming its founding executive director.

From 1993, Ann moved on to work independently and worked in social research after setting up her own company to promote equality and improve services and opportunities.

Tributes seen by Scottish Housing News pointed to Ann’s “determination and kindness” as well as her “prolific” professional and voluntary career and her work in academia.

David Bookbinder, director at the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF), said: “This is such sad news. I first met Ann after starting at SFHA in 1993. She was incredibly modest about everything she did, including her research work and, of course, the key role she played in bringing Rutherglen and Cambuslang HA into being in the 1980s. She was just a really lovely person.”

I haven’t seen Ann since the Nineties, but I drew on her Dissertation for my own studies and found her to be helpful and interesting and, of course, knowledgeable company.

Eddie Warde, principal officer within Glasgow City Council’s Housing & Regeneration Services, said he drew on Ann’s Dissertation for his own studies, adding that he “found her to be helpful and interesting and, of course, knowledgeable company”.

Should readers wish to add tributes or details to this article, please contact kieran@scottishnews.com.