Rural Matters Spring Edition 2026
Up to date news and information from Rural Stirling Housing Association. Out now!
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NEW HOMES Residents move into new properties at Lampson Court
We are proud to have launched 11 new homes in Killearn.
The development was formally opened by Councillor Willie Ferguson, Convenor of Stirling Council’s Housing Committee.
Councillor Ferguson said: “We are delighted to support this development from Rural Stirling Housing Association. There are many challenges to face in the drive to deliver affordable housing for our communities, particularly in rural areas, which have seen increasing development costs and significant competition for housing sites.
“Strong collaboration with key partners such as Rural Stirling Housing Association is essential and these much-needed new homes will be warmly welcomed by the local community.”
The Killearn development - built by McTaggart Construction - comes less than six months after we unveiled 14 new homes for rent in nearby Croftamie.
Our Chairperson Fiona Boath said: “Affordable homes play a crucial role in supporting the communities we serve. There remains a consistent and pressing need for housing in these areas and we remain committed to our mission of providing affordable high-quality housing.”
The development costing £2.83m consists of four one bedroom flats, four two bedroom flats, two three bedroom houses and a single four bedroom amenity bungalow. Nine are for social rent while the remaining two are shared equity properties.
Our Chief Executive Donna Birrell added: “Our new homes in Killearn represent a further step forward in delivering on our promise to keep on building affordable new homes across rural Stirlingshire. We readily acknowledge the contribution of the Scottish Government and Stirling Council in helping to make these homes a reality. The Scottish Government and Stirling Council share our vision of delivering quality affordable housing.”
Janice Russell, Managing Director at McTaggart Construction, said: “It's fantastic to see the official opening of the Lampson development. Rural communities like Killearn deserve access to quality, affordable housing, and working with RSHA and Macdonald & Cameron to deliver that has been brilliant. We're proud to have played our part in creating homes that will make a genuine difference to local families."
The new homes – in keeping with modern building standards - offer impressive eco credentials including solar panels, are highly energy efficient and economical to run.
In December we will mark 35 years as a housing association having been created in 1990. Since then we have delivered a total of 693 homes for social rent - reflecting its strong commitment to rural housing.
Photo: Councillor Ferguson, RSHA Chair Fiona Boath and new resident Jacqueline Buik.
Citizen's Advice Bureau Drop-in Sessions, to be held on the first Wednesday of each month at Kirk Hall, Callander.
An RSHA Housing Services Officer will be in attendance at these events to help with any queries you may have.
Leadership is firmly in focus at Rural Stirling
Creating the very best leadership has been given a renewed focus here at Rural Stirling Housing Association.
We have embarked on a transformative programme of “leading with intent” in what is the first phase of a cultural change endeavour.
RSHA has teamed up with leadership development professionals Ascent Leadership to drive forward leadership excellence.
Already, the senior management team has undergone strategic leadership development work in keeping with our forward-thinking agenda as we embrace and seek to enhance our strong governance credentials.
Importantly, your Board members have been involved in the process through a series of “taster sessions” and there are plans to roll out leadership development to other members of staff.
Our Chief Executive Donna Birrell explained: “Good leadership, whether it is from senior staff or a Board of Management, has a crucial impact on the operation of any organisation.
“Our customers expect the very best service possible and we strive to deliver that at all times across our range of services from building affordable homes to a fast and efficient repairs service to our vital community regeneration work.
“So we were delighted to engage with Kate Carmichael of Ascent Leadership as she brings her expertise and knowledge of how we can increase leadership capability across our organisation.
“The sessions have been extremely worthwhile as we develop a positive culture shift towards intent-based leadership.
“It also has the added benefit of improving senior leadership succession planning.”
RSHA Chair Fiona Boath who has a long history of volunteering both outside and within the housing sector praised the work RSHA and Ascent were doing together.
Fiona said: “Having completed my first year as Chair I have learned a great deal about the role which is rewarding and challenging at the same time.
“Ascent Leadership have brought a fresh perspective to leadership and we greatly value the knowledge which it is bringing to the work we do as a housing provider. It will undoubtedly help us face the future with renewed confidence.”
Kate Carmichael said: ““Leading with Intent is the first phase of a cultural change programme, and we have started with the senior team.
Pictured: FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP…..(left to right) Gerry Casey, Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Finance and Corporate Services; Craig Wood, Director of Housing and Property Services; Chief Executive Donna Birrell; Chair Fiona Boath and Board Member Margaret Vass OBE