Our Chief Executive, Craig Stirrat, won the Lifetime Achievement award in housing at the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland (CIHS) annual awards ceremony.  It was awarded in recognition of the lasting impact he has made on the housing sector having gone the extra mile during his career.

In accepting the award, Craig Stirrat said:- “To be honoured by my peers in the CIH is truly humbling and I appreciate the warmth and support from friends and colleagues, in particular my thanks to Board members and colleagues at Grampian Housing Association.

“Having held various housing management, strategic planning and asset management positions with Aberdeen City Council, Fife Housing Group and now Grampian, I am passionate and committed to driving positive change in the sector and leading colleagues to put tenants at the heart of service delivery.”

Craig was promoted to chief executive of Grampian in 2022 having joined in 2014 as director of business development when he re-established the development programme, increasing Grampian’s provision of new homes for social and mid-market rent from 3,300 to 3,800 and still growing.

While at Aberdeen City Council, Craig introduced its first anti-social behaviour helpline and mediation service; developed the scale of its homeless service and supported the establishment of Aberdeen Foyer, a local charity addressing youth homelessness and unemployment. He also improved collaboration with NHS Grampian around improved delayed discharges.

Craig has become an ambassador for housing in Scotland. He served for over 10 years on the CIH Scotland Board and is a former chair of the branch. He has also served on the UK HouseMark Board and the Scottish Advisory Board as well as on the Board of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

Abhi Agarwal, chair of Grampian Housing Association said:- “I am delighted that Craig Stirrat has won the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his services to the housing sector.

“I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Craig’s 40 years in housing. This recognition is a great day for social housing. I am proud and humbled to be the chair of Grampian and having the opportunity to work with Craig.”

Margaret Waddell, former Business Improvement Lead was also shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement award.