Click here to view a digital copy of our 2026 Annual Report.
Annual Report 2026
Keeping of Pets & Respectful Engagement
As of 1 April, new legislation was introduced requiring all new tenants to declare whether they have pets as part of the allocations process. For existing tenants, as per the tenancy agreement, permission must be requested for any new pets.
We have also made some updates to our ‘Respectful Engagement Policy’.
Many thanks to those who participated in our Policy Consultation last month. The final versions of both policies can be found below.
Summer Newsletter 2026
Policy Consultations – August 2026
As of 1 April, new legislation was introduced requiring all new tenants to declare whether they have pets as part of the allocations process. For existing tenants, as per the tenancy agreement, permission must be requested for any new pets.
In response, we have developed a new Pet Policy and would welcome your feedback.
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We have also made some updates to our ‘Respectful Engagement Policy’.
We encourage you to review the draft policies and share your views by completing the consultations using the links below. The consultation period will run from Wednesday 5th August until Wednesday 19th August.
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Thank you for your participation.
Maintenance Officer Vacancy
- Position: Maintenance Officer
- Location: Cumnock, East Ayrshire
- Salary: EVH Grade 7 £42,707 to £46,895
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing Date: 12 noon on Wednesday 12th August 2026
- Hours: 35 per week, Monday to Friday including flexible hybrid working.
We are seeking a Maintenance Officer who can provide high-quality integrated Maintenance Services to customers that uphold our values and vision while supporting the Asset Manager to deliver and review our Asset Management plans ensuring our stock meets the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, is energy efficient and maintained to the highest standards.
For further details, click HERE
Shire Housing Association raise almost £3,000 for local cancer charity
Having recently visited charity partner Ayrshire Cancer Support’s centres, the staff and management team at Shire Housing Association were inspired to raise awareness of what they do and how accessible this valuable service is. In addition, they were keen to support ACS to continue the excellent work that they do supporting those affected by cancer across Ayrshire.
On the 9th of May, Alan and Keir abseiled down the Port of Leith Distillery and between them raised a total of £740. During the month of May, a team of 10 staff and management known as The Shire Shufflers, took part in The Ayrshire 100 challenge. They pledged to cover 100 km, individually and collectively during May. Thankfully, the weather was kind and the team covered 1,168km, raising £978.65. Shire Housing Association agreed to match this and round it up to £1,000. With gift aid, the total raised from the walk was £2,221.15
Organiser of the Shire Shufflers, Diane Balfour said “we are proud to have raised a grand total of £2,961.15 for ACS in May. We are keen to find other ways to support this local charity over the coming months.”
Community Comes Together for “Walk the Loch” Event
Community spirit was in full stride on Saturday, May 16th, as more than 100 people gathered to take part in the “Walk the Loch – Loch Doon” event, a new initiative designed to bring people across East Ayrshire together.
Facilitated by Shire Housing, the event was created through a partnership between Alan Thomas of Shire Housing and Nicola Higgins, who leads the Zone Recovery Support Group. Their shared vision was to create an inclusive, welcoming day that encouraged people to get outdoors, connect with others, and focus on health and wellbeing.
Participants of all ages and backgrounds came together to enjoy the scenic walk, using the opportunity to talk, share experiences, and build new connections. The day successfully highlighted the importance of community engagement, demonstrating how simple activities can have a powerful positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.
The event received fantastic feedback from those who attended, with many praising the relaxed atmosphere, strong sense of community, and the chance to meet new people. Organisers were delighted with the turnout and the overwhelmingly positive response.
“Walk the Loch” was made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of several key partners, including Auchinleck Community Development, Coalfield Community Transport, the East Ayrshire Lived Experience Panel, Rapid Relief Team UK, and the Co-op in Dalmellington. Their contributions helped ensure the event ran smoothly and was enjoyable for everyone involved.
Alan, of Shire Housing, and Nicola of the Zone Recovery Support group commented “When we first organised the event, we expected about 30 people at the most, so when we had over 100 people turn up on the day it really was incredible. It was an amazing day bringing people from all across the country together to connect and enjoy a day in nature. Really looking forward to the next one, which is looking to be bigger and better.”
Following its success, organisers have confirmed that “Walk the Loch” will now become an annual event, further strengthening its role in bringing communities together across the region. The next walk is already scheduled for Saturday, June 5th, 2027, and is expected to build on this year’s success.
With its focus on connection, wellbeing, and community spirit, “Walk the Loch” has firmly established itself as a positive and inspiring addition to East Ayrshire’s community calendar.
Sod Cutting Ceremony – Craigens Road Development
A group of children from Netherthird Primary performed the sod cutting ceremony at Craigens Road, Cumnock, marking the start of Shire Housing Association’s first new build project in 17 years. Guests from the local community joined the children for this landmark event.
A mix of 49 homes are being built by Rosewood Homes including 4 two-bedroom cottage flats; 30 two-bedroom houses; 9 three-bedroom houses; 4 two-bedroom older people cottage flats; 1 two-bedroom wheelchair adapted house; and 1 three-bedroom wheelchair adapted house. The adapted housing includes special design features and access to help tenants live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Simon Roberts, the Chairperson of Shire Housing Association said: “The Association is delighted to be working with Rosewood Homes to deliver 49 new affordable homes in Netherthird. Construction of the new homes will provide high quality energy efficient homes to the local community, whilst transforming a vacant brownfield site”.
John Stewart from Rosewood Homes added: “Rosewood Homes are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Shire Housing Association. We are committed to making a lasting difference in Cumnock, creating a development that residents will be proud to call home”.
Rent payments using the Allpay app and Internet Payments portal
The allpay app and Internet Payments portal are closing.
To continue making payments digitally, please download the new allpayments app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or use the allpayments web portal at https://new.allpayments.net
You can log in using your existing allpay login username and password. Once signed in, your account details will transfer automatically.
Please note: this is not an update to the old allpay app. The allpay app will close, and you will need to install the new allpayments app separately.
For help moving to allpayments from the old app or Internet Payments portal, visit the allpay Customer Help Centre at NEW allpayments – allpay Customer Help Centre
Scottish Housing Regulator Engagement Plans
The Scottish Housing Regulator has published its engagement plans for 2026/27. We are pleased to report that we have a compliant regulatory status. You can see our engagement plan here.