Who Are We
Highland Residential is a social enterprise company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Albyn Housing Society Ltd. Our social purpose is to generate revenue streams and profit for reinvestment in to projects and solutions that combat the significant shortage of affordable homes faced by local communities.
We provide advice, information and deliver important services to individuals and communities across the Highlands, including affordable housing solutions and estate agent services, whether you are looking to buy, sell or rent. We also provide agency services to landlords as well as factoring services to more than 1,000 homes across the region.
Our Strategic Objectives 2023 - 2026
Our Homes
We will contribute to affordable housing options in the Highlands. We will ensure our property lettings, affordable house sales, and factoring services reflect our core purpose. We will continually move towards sector wide best practice.
Our Customers
We will provide excellent customer service that goes beyond legislative commitments to ensure customer experience is positive throughout their journey with us.
Our Finances
We will ensure profitability, offering value for money and being efficient to create gift aid to support our charitable parent company.
Our People
We will support our Board of Directors and staff to reach their full potential and ensure that they have the required qualifications, knowledge, and skills to provide excellent services.
Our Partnerships
We will use our expertise to influence the affordable and property management sector and work with Scottish Government, Highland Council, and other relevant partners across the Highlands that add value to our communities and meet affordable housing need in the Highlands.
Meet the team
Having a team of talented people with the right skills and attitude is paramount to Highland Residential.
Highland Residential Board
Craig Russell
Chair of Board
Craig is an experienced housing professional and has worked in the Social Housing Sector for over 17 years. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing with a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies. Craig is passionate about housing and about improving standards and availability of housing and is keen to bring his experience to the Board and play a part in shaping the future of the organisation.
Carl Patching
Director
Carl has a wealth of experience in delivering business change in both the public and private sectors. With many years at a senior level in consulting and outsourcing, he has devised and developed strategies both within organisations and consultancy, along with the responsibility for the delivery of effective outcomes. Carl is eager to help Highland Residential develop and deliver on its strategy for the benefit of members.
Maggie Morrison
Director
Maggie joined the board in 2025. Her career in the IT industry spans more than four decades working in leadership roles for global organisations. An experienced General Manager, Director and Business Leader she brings together a combination of skills including sales and marketing, business development, innovation and change management. Technology implemented well can make a positive impact to everyday lives. Maggie is committed to bringing her business experience and knowledge of digital solutions to complement the skills of other board members and the team at Albyn with the objective of offering the best possible service to our tenants.
Craig Levy
Director
Craig joined the board in 2023 and brings over 30 years of experience working at a senior level in public services. He also holds an elected position as a Company Council Representative in the National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers, supporting over 200 trade union members. This includes working with the Scotrail Engineering Leadership team in strategic decision making through a collective bargaining structure.
Craig has experience of project management and strategic negotiations and is keen to use his abilities to represent Highland Residential as well as ensuring it maintains its high standards in the provision of housing in the Highlands where Craig lives.
Highland Residential Staff
Kirsty Morrison
Albyn Group CEO
Kirsty joined Albyn in February 2021 in an interim capacity and was appointed to the Director of Customer Services role that June. In August 2021, she transitioned to the role of Interim Chief Executive, and was appointed permanently to this role in July 2022. Kirsty has 20 years’ experience in strategic development, business improvement and innovation, business development and performance and change management, in both housing and community safety services. Laterally, Kirsty was commissioned to redesign service delivery and significantly improve performance in an RSL, and to improve culture and employee engagement. She also led on a successful Transfer of Engagements.
Kirsty has a Post Graduate Diploma in Housing Studies and an MA (Hons) in English.
Jim Banks
Albyn Group Head of Customer Services
Jim Banks has been with Albyn Housing Society for 29 years. He started initially as the Senior Maintenance Officer, becoming the Property Maintenance Manager some 4 years later.
As part of the major organisational change that took place in 2013, Jim moved over to a generic housing management role and helped to guide the Customer Services staff through their transition from specialist to generic roles.
Following the redesign of Customer and Property Services in April 2023, Jim has been the Manager of the Income Team, ensuring that rental income is maximised and that tenants are given the assistance they need to help to sustain their tenancies.
His experience across a very broad spectrum of the Society’s activities will prove invaluable as the organisation continues to strive to provide an excellent service to our tenants.
Property Services
Michelle Bowler
Lettings and Sales Manager
Michelle joined Highland Residential in October 2024 having previously worked for Albyn Housing within their Tenancy Operations Team. Michelle brings to Highland Residential 10 years’ experience in housing management, along with many successful years managing private businesses. Her drive to delivering exceptional customer service across the Mid-Market Rent and LIFT sectors is evident, as is her dedication to supporting people across the Highlands to access affordable housing. She is committed to ensuring Highland Residential continues to grow and provides positive outcomes and experiences for all it’s clients.
Christina Gibson
Lettings Agent
Christina supports the lettings department. She is highly experienced in the property sector and prides herself in giving the best customer service. She loves seeing a positive outcome for tenants.
Nickey Fraser
Property Administrator
Nickey has been an invaluable temporary asset to our team, specifically working alongside the MMR lettings team. Her exceptional promise and unwavering dedication to the organization have been evident throughout her tenure. Nickey is now committed to a full-time role as a Property Administrator, a testament to her outstanding contributions and commitment.
Margaret Mahon
Sales Agent
Margaret joined Highland Residential in February 2022 administering affordable housing in the Highlands. Margaret brings a wealth of experience from the property industry including the social housing sector. Her extensive experience in the property industry and her dedication to customer satisfaction are invaluable assets that align with the company’s core values and ethos. Margaret has received positive vendor and buyer feedback, with a strong customer service drive. Her dedication to customer service and ability to achieve impressive sales results make her an invaluable part of the team.
Factoring Services
Derek Rudkin
Senior Factoring Officer
Derek joined Highland residential in May 2024, having previously worked in the private sector for 7 years as a Property Factor.
He has brought with him all the skills required to manage the current factoring team, along with the knowledge he has gained form working within the construction industry in various roles for several years.
Derek is very customer oriented and commitment to ensuring unparalleled customer satisfaction for all our clients he is passionate about passing these skills on to his colleagues to enhance the customer experience.
Alex Ramsden
Factoring Officer
Alex joined the Highland Residential Factoring team in January 2024.
With a wealth of experience in the property industry, Alex serves as our dedicated Factoring Officer, ensuring that all our developments are maintained to the highest standards.
Alex conducts regular site visits to assess the condition of communal areas, making sure that these spaces are well-kept, safe, and welcoming for all residents.
Additionally, Alex actively works on identifying areas for improvement to enhance the environment and create better living spaces for everyone.
Anya McIntosh
Assistant Factoring Officer
As a dedicated Factoring Assistant, I play a key role in supporting our clients and contractors with their financial enquiries. Based in our office, I assist with account management, processing transactions, and ensuring smooth communication between all parties. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellent customer service, I strive to provide efficient and reliable support for our residents.
Whether answering queries or assisting with administrative tasks, I take pride in delivering a seamless experience for our clients.
Tracey McAlinden
Factoring Admin
Tracy started her employment with Albyn Housing in April 2023 as a Repairs & Maintenance Administrator, throughout her time with Albyn she has gained a vast knowledge regarding property maintenance and compliance.
Tracy joined the HRIL team as a Property Administrator on 20/01/25 and is assisting her colleagues in all aspects of factoring administration to help grow the team’s success and our customer experience by bringing her knowledge with her to the post.
She is passionate about delivering excellent customer service and building good relationships with clients and provide positive outcomes for all.