Tarland Community Housing SCIO was set up to help with community development into low-carbon homes built in Tarland that meet local housing need.

We’re a group of local people who see this as an essential part of keeping Tarland and the surrounding Howe of Cromar the thriving, wonderful place that it is to live.

The purposes of our charity, as set out in our constitution, relate to the Parish of Tarland and Howe Of Cromar in the Marr Area of Aberdeenshire. They are as follows:-

The advancement of community development through the research and identification of sites and/or buildings suitable for low-cost housing in Tarland, and in pursuit of this purpose:-

1. The promotion of communication with the local population to ascertain perceived local housing needs;
2. The encouragement of public participation in the achievement of the organisation’s purposes; and
3. Any other purpose that may reasonably be regarded as analogous to the preceding purposes.

There are several other pieces of ground around Tarland that might be suitable to build affordable homes on. We’re looking in detail at one of these, which has potential to build up to ten homes, and we would like to know what you think about it.

To get involved, simply email us, or fill out this online form.

Check back here regularly for updates – and make sure you’re connected to our Facebook

Running something like a community-led housing project takes the ideas, energy and determination of lots of people from in and around Tarland.

We are now a SCIO (a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation). This is a legal structure that allows us to do things like buy land, apply for funding, pay people for advice and to carry out work – all the things necessary for a community-led housing project.

The SCIO has Trustees and Members.

Benefits of Becoming a Tarland Community Housing Member (TCH):

• You are kept informed of, and help shape, the plans and future developments of the TCH project;
• Help secure Tarland’s future and to live in a sustainable rural community;
• You can attend our AGM and have input into making changes to constitution as well as electing Board Members;
• Help communicate the project to a wider community audience and support recruitment of new members.;
• Feel part of the development of our community, learn new skills and meet new people and have fun!

Sounds like we’re sorted, right? The truth is that the project relies on support from a wide range of community members – including individuals, businesses and local groups. The easiest way to show your support is by becoming a Member of Tarland Community Housing, which is free.

Becoming a Member or Trustee is free and easy. Simply email us or fill out this online form.

Meet our Trustees!

Chairperson: Annie McKee “I have lived in and around Tarland since 2012, drawn to the village due to its fantastic community spirit. I am a social researcher at the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, where my research focuses on the issues that affect rural communities and landownership in Scotland. In my free time, I am currently the convenor of Rural Housing Scotland, a national charity that supports community-led affordable housing across rural Scotland. I also love being a member of Tarland Community Garden and the Tarland Food and Music Festival steering group. It is a privilege to work with my friends and neighbours to support Tarland to meet it’s housing needs.”

Secretary: Aileen Longino “I love living and working in and around Tarland. My background is in Business and Marketing and I am a Development Officer for Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action working with community groups and organisations across Aberdeenshire. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening and run another charity young@heart deeside for older people in rural communities. I have lived in Tarland since 2003 and have been involved with Tarland Community Housing since 2018 and I am delighted to volunteer to be a Board Trustee of Tarland Community Housing.”

Treasurer: Mike McMillan “I’m a retired solicitor from Strachan and have been involved in a large number of housing projects throughout my career. As well as volunteering as a board member for Tarland Community Housing I am also treasurer for Finzean Village Hall. When I’m not busy with one of these I enjoy golf, sailing, and gardening.”

(Page photograph: Dan Christie)

We want your thoughts and ideas about the project – no holds barred – so that it meets as many needs as possible.

We especially want to hear from you if you’d like to volunteer a wee bit of your time to become a Member or Trustee and help get low-carbon, affordable housing built in Tarland.

You can contact us easily by emailing us

If you would like to become a Member or Trustee you can fill out this online form.