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 onl ine 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)