Cairn Housing Association: Reimagining Independent Living
Cairn manages around 5,000 homes across 24 local authority areas, making it one of Scotland’s most geographically diverse social landlords. At the heart of its work is a simple commitment: to provide safe, high-quality homes that meet tenants’ needs today and tomorrow.
A significant part of this commitment lies within Cairn’s 24 sheltered and retirement courts, which make up around 20% of its total housing stock. With 18 courts in the South and six in the North, these communities play a vital role in supporting independent living and social connection for older tenants.
Recognising the importance of getting things right, Cairn launched a comprehensive consultation across all South courts, putting tenants firmly at the centre of decisions about their future.
The Focus: Three Conversations That Matter
The consultation explored three key themes that directly affect tenants’ safety, independence, and quality of life:
- Telecare and Alarm Services
How well do current systems support safety and reassurance? And how must they evolve to remain reliable, person-centred, and fit for purpose, especially with the switch from analogue to digital services due by January 2027? - The Court Model
Does Cairn’s current sheltered/retirement housing approach still work for tenants? What changes or improvements could better support independence while delivering value for money? - Communal Areas
How do shared spaces ie gardens, communal rooms, and guest facilities contribute to wellbeing, connection, and a sense of community? And do they reflect what tenants want and need?
Independent Support, Trusted Conversations
To ensure the process was open, inclusive, and genuinely tenant-led, Cairn appointed TPAS Scotland to support the consultation. Many of the topics were sensitive and emotive, and Cairn was keen that tenants had access to independent, non-biased advice to help them understand their rights, options, and potential changes.
The aim was clear: not to present fixed solutions, but to ask tenants what they wanted the outcomes to be.
Preparing for a Digital Future
One issue stood out early. Cairn’s existing telecare systems were ageing and increasingly outdated. With landline and analogue services being phased out nationally, action was unavoidable.
Although only a small number of tenants were actively using analogue telecare in the South courts, the infrastructure itself needed modernisation. After discussions with Castlehill Housing Association and Link Housing Association, Cairn proposed a new solution: a ‘dispersed alarm’ system.
This modern telecare approach offers greater flexibility and personalisation, including options such as fall sensors and door sensors, supporting tenants to live independently while enhancing safety and peace of mind.
What Tenants Said
All tenants were invited to informal meetings in each of the 24 courts, hosted by Cairn and facilitated by Eveline Armour, CEO of TPAS Scotland. These sessions created safe, respectful spaces for open discussion.
The message from tenants was strong and consistent:
- Choice and empowerment matter. Tenants wanted control over how they are supported.
- Community is vital. Many described their court as a lifeline, particularly for social connection.
- Location works. Most tenants were happy with where they lived, valuing proximity to amenities and family.
- Pride runs deep. There was a clear passion for the courts and a desire to see services improved.
- Value for money is complex. Views were mixed, often shaped by the wider cost-of-living pressures and rising household bills.
Following the meetings, all tenants received a summary letter and survey, allowing them to give direct, considered feedback on each consultation theme.
Trusted Voices, Strong Engagement
Alana Main, Area Housing Manager (South), reflected on the value of independent support, “Having Eveline from TPAS Scotland at the meetings was invaluable. Her experience brought a professional, consistent approach, and tenants could speak to her in confidence. She helped them fully understand what was being proposed.”
Paul Robertson, Regional Lead (South), added, “Because TPAS Scotland is clearly on the tenants’ side, people felt comfortable being honest about what they wanted. Eveline created open, positive conversations that really put tenants at ease.”
Eveline Armour, CEO of TPAS Scotland, said, “In consultations like this, it’s vital that tenants feel informed, supported, and confident to share their views. TPAS Scotland provides independent advice and a trusted space so tenants can engage openly and ensure their voices genuinely shape the decisions that affect their homes and independence.”
What Happens Next
The full consultation report has now been shared with the Cairn Board. Following their review, personalised communications will be issued to every tenant, outlining the proposed recommendations for their individual court.
This work directly supports Cairn’s five-year Tenant Participation Strategy, updated 3 months ago, which commits the organisation to working with tenants, not just delivering services, but shaping them together.
For Cairn, this consultation wasn’t just about change. It was about partnership, trust, and building independent living services that are ready for the future designed by the people who live there.
