Trust was established in October 1973, born out of a philanthropic movement in the 1970s. It was originally called Kirk Care and re-branded to become Trust in 2004. Since its first development in Bearsden, Trust has grown into a national and modern social landlord, with over 3,600 homes across the length and breadth of Scotland.

Its story and culture have been enriched through growth with like-minded people and organisations, most recently its partnership with Wishaw & District Housing Association in 2019.

The birthday celebrations formally kicked off last week with a series of remote Townhall events and an Office Get Together in Edinburgh which was attended by almost 90 colleagues.

As part of the celebrations, the organisation will also re-brand this week. It will still be called ‘Trust’ but it will be replacing its current duel identities (Trust and Wishaw & District) with one new modern brand and website that will create a stronger, single identity that it hopes will provide an improved experience for customers and stakeholders.

This means that the separate Wishaw & District Housing sub-brand, website and Twitter account will cease this week, replaced by one brand, website and socials under the wider Trust name and identity.

Rhona McLeod, Trust’s CEO, said: “Trust has been delivering affordable homes and exceptional care for five decades. We have significantly grown and evolved since 1973 but we have stayed true to our purpose and values throughout this time. We’re looking forward to celebrating with customers and colleagues across the country over the coming months.

“Our 50th birthday feels like the right time to introduce a more modern brand for the whole business, and the time also feels right to move away from seperate Trust and Wishaw & District brands and websites. Given the current economic environment, we have been very cost sensitive and we have allocated a modest budget for our 50th and we think we have
achieved a new modern and engaging brand identity at a fraction of the cost of a typical re-brand.

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of Trust’s story. Here’s to a thriving future and the next 50 years.”