Board members
Lesley McInnes: Chair of the Board
Chair of the Board – December 2021
Casual Vacancy – December 2021, Elected Member - September 2022
Lesley joined the Albyn Board in 2021 and has been involved in housing for over 35 years, working with both Councils and Registered Social Landlords. She knows the difference good quality housing makes to communities and is proud to be part of Albyn to continue their good work in the Highlands. At the present time, she is the Chief Executive of West Highland Housing Association based in Oban. Leslie has also served as a non-executive Board Member for RSLs and organisations from care to the education sector.
Clea Warner: Board Vice-Chair
Vice Chair of Board - September 2023
Chair of Remuneration Committee - September 2023
Elected Member – September 2020
Clea joined the Board in 2020. Clea has more than two decades of transformational leadership experience within the charity sector which includes leading the strategic development of an extensive property portfolio. Clea brings with her extensive experience of balancing challenging business and charitable objectives, driving innovation and profitable growth for causes she is passionate about.
Carl Patching
Chair of Audit & Risk Management Committee - September 2023
Elected Member – September 2020
Remuneration Committee Member
Director of Highland Residential (Inverness) Ltd - September 2022
Director of Albyn Enterprises Ltd - September 2021
Carl joined the Board in 2020. 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 Albyn develop and deliver on its strategy for the benefit of members.
Scott Macleod
Co-opted Member - September 2022, Elected member - September 2023
Member of Audit and Risk Management Committee
Scott is a tenant representative who brings with him experience from a varied career including senior management within a retail environment. Scott's experience with profit protection, health and safety and HR will be a valued resource on the committee. Scott is passionate about encouraging more tenant members to join the board.
Lynne Holburn
Elected member - September 2023
Chair of Highland Residential (Inverness) Ltd - September 2025
Lynne has over 25 years experience of residential housing development and constructions. In her previous role as development director, she worked closely with RSL's to deliver affordable housing projects throughout Scotland. She looks forward to contributing her commercial knowledge to the board.
Jackie Budgen
Elected member - September 2023
Jackie has lived in the Highlands and Islands for the past 30 years and has two grown-up children, Her background is in education and IT and major incident management. She has been an Albyn tenant since 2013 and became involved in tenant participation in 2020. She is also a member of regional networks.
Jackie has a special interest in accessibility as she is disabled herself and has a good understanding of the issues faced.
Niall Owen
Elected member - September 2023
Member of Audit & Risk Management Committee
With an extensive background in architecture, culminating in the formation of his own RIAS chartered architect practice in 2021. Niall brings over 20 years of experience in the design and construction of residential projects of all sizes across the UK. With an in-depth knowledge and understanding of matters relating to planning policy and building regulations.
Niall will aim to bring a valuable skillset on all local authority, design, and development related matters.
Craig Levy
Elected member - September 2023
Director of Highland Residential (Inverness) Ltd - September 2023
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 Albyn tenants as well as ensuring the Association maintains its high standards in the provision of housing in the Highlands where Craig lives.
Ewan McGarrie
Elected member - September 2025
Member of Audit & Risk Management Committee
Ewan has over 30 years’ experience in real estate, finance, and public relations. He began his career in financial public relations in the City of London, advising FTSE100 companies, prominent fund management, and U.K. house builders. In 2006 he founded a real estate advisory and asset management company, specialising in U.K. and pan-European residential and commercial real estate. He has extensive experience across the property life cycle, having acquired, developed, retrofitted, managed, and disposed of diverse portfolios. Ewan has particular expertise in affordable housing, social housing, and sustainability.
He divides his time between London and Edinburgh. A former World Pipe Band Championship winner, he occasionally participates in bagpiping events and enjoys countryside pursuits.
Annice Newlands
Elected member - September 2025
Member of Remuneration Committee
Annice is a lawyer with 20 years’ experience of delivering civil litigation for public bodies and is keen to bring her knowledge to support the work of the Board. She is impressed by the commitment of Albyn to providing affordable homes in the Highlands and the innovative work that it carries out.
Terri Semple
Elected member - September 2025
Member of Audit & Risk Management Committee
Terri has over 20 years’ experience as both a professional and trustee in the charitable sector. As a recipient of Albyn’s Fit Homes technology, she brings an important user voice to the Board with regards to the role innovation can play in supporting people to remain in their homes for longer.