A BORDERS councillor has been replaced as chairman of the Scottish Borders Housing Association – after his five-year term came to an end.

Simon Mountford, who represents Kelso and District, was thanked for his "leadership and dedication" during an annual general meeting on Wednesday, September 30.

And it was announced he will be replaced by board member Robin Hill.

On his five years as chairman, Mr Mountford said: "It has been an enormous privilege to chair the association for the past five years and to work with Julia [Mulloy, chief executive of SBHA] and her first-class team.

"It has undoubtedly been the most satisfying job I’ve ever done.

“I am confident that as SBHA looks to the future, we will remain guided by our past, fully able to meet the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities they will inevitably offer.”

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Mr Mountford first joined the SBHA board in 2012 and became chairman in 2015.

Despite stepping down, he will remain a board member for the next 12 months as an elected member.

Chief executive Ms Mulloy said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Simon for all that he has done over the last five years.

"He has steered the board through some real dilemmas and changes, from how we govern to our investment priorities, always bringing the focus back to what it means for tenants.

"During these most recent challenging times for us and our community, his guidance and support to us has made an enormous difference.

“As a great chair, he has facilitated leadership within the association, ensuring that we have been able to realise our vision and helping us to define how this will develop in the years to come.

"We know there are exciting times ahead."