Worked in Scotland's communities for over 40 years

A stalwart of Scotland’s third sector has announced he is to step down from the organsaition he created.

Angus Hardie set up the Scottish Community Alliance - the umbrella body for Scotland’s community sector networks – in 2010 and has been its director ever since.

Taking over from Hardie in May will be Elizabeth Docherty who will be well known to some in the sector for her previous work with the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network.

Having spent time working in the further education and private sectors, she has been looking for the right opportunity to return to the third sector and is delighted to have been appointed as the new director of SCA.

Originally trained as an accountant, Hardie changed direction and retrained in social work before working on a number of community-led regeneration initiatives during the 1980s in the large housing estates that sit on the fringes of Edinburgh.

In the early ’90s he worked in schools with a focus on improving home-school relationships before moving to a city-wide post with a focus on the integration of services for children and families across Edinburgh.

More recently, he was responsible for establishing Development Trusts Association Scotland and worked as CEO.

Hardie said: “I’ve been a community worker of one sort or another for a little over 40 years and have loved every minute of it. This job in particular has been such a fantastic experience, bringing me into contact with so many amazing people who are doing such great work in their communities.

“I’ll certainly miss it and just want to thank everyone for their support and friendship over the years."

Elizabeth Docherty added: “Roles like these don’t come around very often and I am so excited at the prospect of joining SCA and building on all the excellent work that Angus has achieved over the years.”

Kim Wallace, depute director of Social Enterprise Scotland and the current convenor of SCA, said: “Over many years, in his many different roles, Angus has made such an important contribution to our sector. Most recently, I’d point to his achievements in successfully establishing the Scottish Community Alliance by building this ‘network of networks’ based on mutual trust, understanding and respect between its members.

“In so many ways he has helped shape much of Scotland’s community sector, with the Scottish Community Alliance in particular, standing as a testament to his long-term dedication and vision.”

“Over many years, Angus has been a really important and well kent figure around Scotland’s community scene – we’re going to miss him but wish him all the very best in his retirement and for whatever comes next”.

“As Angus steps away, his departure marks the end of an era, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter for SCA. While grateful for the legacy that Angus leaves behind, we look forward to embracing the fresh thinking and leadership that Elizabeth brings as the new director of SCA.”