Osprey Housing CEO Stacy Angus with new board chair Brian Watson (right) and retiring chair Mike Scott (left), who recently stepped down after holding the position for the past five years. They marked the occasion at Osprey’s new-build development of five three-bedroom houses at Countesswells, Aberdeen, which are due for handover to tenants this month (Nov).

Osprey Housing's board of directors has a new chair, appointed at the social landlord’s 25th Annual General Meeting held in September.

Brian Watson has been elected by his colleagues as the next Chair of Osprey Housing. Brian has been a board member for seven years and has a wealth of experience and a successful career in public sector housing, including being Aberdeenshire Council’s head of housing before he retired. He was previously Vice-chair of Osprey’s Housing Committee, and his first involvement was as a board member of Osprey Housing Moray. Brian also supports Houseability, a local charitable organisation, as a Board member.

He takes over from outgoing chair Mike Scott, who is stepping down after serving five years in the role. Mr Scott remains a board member and will continue to bring his extensive knowledge and expertise to Osprey. Mike also served on the Board of NHS Grampian in addition to a range of other social enterprise boards, including Aberdeen Heat & Power and Scarf.

Mr Watson said: ‘It is a great honour to be part of this organisation and the values it stands for, which our excellent staff deliver every day to our customers.

‘Mike Scott has set very high standards during his term of office, and I will endeavour to maintain those, working alongside Osprey’s exceptional board and senior leadership team.’

Mr Scott said: ‘Taking my most recent five years as chair, and the further seven years I’ve previously served in this role, I’ve held that position for nearly half the lifetime of this organisation. It has been a privilege and pleasure, and I’m looking forward to acting as a “backbencher” now while continuing to give my support and time to Osprey Housing.’

Osprey CEO Stacy Angus paid tribute to Mr Scott, saying: ‘During the past five years, Osprey has seen a significant period of change and improvements where Mike has shown great leadership and support to the organisation.

‘During his time as Chair we concluded two transfers of engagements, taking Osprey Moray and Aberdeen Soroptimists into the single Osprey Housing entity. In addition, Mike lead the board through both a global pandemic and cost of living crisis with his usual upbeat and calm style to tackling challenges.

‘Mike has been a great source of support to me since I was appointed CEO in 2021, especially during those times of significant challenge and change. I am delighted he is staying on the board.’

This year is Osprey Housing’s 25-year milestone which was marked by a Charity ceilidh at the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen, which raised money for two charities. The event, held earlier in the year, was attended by current and former staff, board members, and key partner organisations.

Ms Angus said: ‘It was a fantastic evening and brought everyone together to focus on our journey, what we have achieved, where we are now, and to look ahead to the future  in addition to raising money for worthy causes including local charity Cash for Kids.’

‘Osprey Housing started out in 1999 as Aberdeen Housing Partnership with 303 transfer properties from the Local Authority and we now have more than 1,800 quality homes across Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Aberdeen city.

‘A key moment in our journey was rebranding as Osprey in 2016, and this was followed by the successful transfer of engagements taking both Osprey Moray and Aberdeen Soroptimists into Osprey Housing forming a single entity in 2021.’

She added: ‘Following my appointment three years ago we implemented a refreshed strategic plan which is coming up for renewal at the start of 2025.

‘We will be looking at how best to move forward as we continue to grow and improve. Osprey is committed to continuing to develop new homes whilst investing in our existing properties and service delivery standards.’